By Peter KamasaRwanda
men's basketball national team captain Hamza Ruhezamihigo has confirmed
his availability for preliminaries of Zone 5 Afro-basket 2015 & All
African Games.
The tournament is scheduled to take place Kampala from September
21-28 and according to the Rwanda Basketball Federation officials,
Canada-based Ruhezamihigo will be in the team, which will compete in the
tourney.
The team is supposed to start residential training camp on September
1. Ruhezamihigo was first selected to the national team in 2007 and has
participated with Rwanda in last 4 Fiba Afro-basket championships since
then-in 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013.
In addition to Ruhezamihigo, five other pros have been summoned to
the team, they include; Kenneth Gasana (Morocco), Bradley Cameroon,
Patrice Twagirayezu, Dan Manzi, Adonis Rwabigwi (US) and Thierry Suku
Suku (France).
The regional showpiece will also attract defending champions Egypt, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and hosts Uganda.
Both finalists will earn a ticket to the African basketball
championships to be staged next year in Tunisia, while the winner will
also represent the region in next year's All Africa Games due in the
Republic of Congo.
31 August 2014
UGANDA : All-Ugandan final possible at Zone V
Mombasa.
Falcons (2000), Lady Bucks (2004) and Warriors
(2009) remain the only three Ugandan sides to features in the Fiba
Africa Zone V Basketball Club Championship.
Uganda’s contingent could yet double that tally today in Mombasa. In the best case scenario, an all-Uganda final is a possibility in the men’s draw.
However, neither of City Oilers, Tiger Head Power and KCCA Leopards start their semifinals as favourites.
National champions Oilers perhaps have the toughest match in Burundi’s Urunani for a semifinal spot. Not only are the latter reigning champions, they are also seeking a fourth successive appearance in the final. Power face hosts Kenya Ports Authority whereas women’s side KCCA, depleted by the absence of Peace Proscovia and Martha Soigi, have local side USIU to contend with.
A worst case scenario is when neither makes it to tomorrow’s final at KPA welfare center, Makupa Gym.
Buoyed by the arrival of center Muhayimina Namuwaya, normally a reserve, coach Timothy Odeke is quietly confident of making a maiden final. KCCA have finished third in three of the last four Zone V events.
“We will manage with the resources we have,” Odeke said. He has a tough dice to roll in limiting the damage of Sarah Achan, sister to Oilers’ Ramadan Arou. Thereafter, forward Claire Lamunnu, scorer of 24, 19 and 32 in the three pool games must get going on offence as guard Flavia Oketcho has struggled all week.
Oilers, though without coach Mandy Juruni, have a similar puzzle. Guards Ben Komakech and Jimmy Enabu are not figureheads now. The former had only five points and committed seven turnovers in the 65-69 loss to KPA which kept them second in Pool A.
But, in Kami Kabange, averaging 14 and seven rebounds, Andrew Opio, eight and eight, and the raw energy of Arou, they have weapons to hurt the sleek Burundians.
Uganda’s contingent could yet double that tally today in Mombasa. In the best case scenario, an all-Uganda final is a possibility in the men’s draw.
However, neither of City Oilers, Tiger Head Power and KCCA Leopards start their semifinals as favourites.
National champions Oilers perhaps have the toughest match in Burundi’s Urunani for a semifinal spot. Not only are the latter reigning champions, they are also seeking a fourth successive appearance in the final. Power face hosts Kenya Ports Authority whereas women’s side KCCA, depleted by the absence of Peace Proscovia and Martha Soigi, have local side USIU to contend with.
A worst case scenario is when neither makes it to tomorrow’s final at KPA welfare center, Makupa Gym.
Buoyed by the arrival of center Muhayimina Namuwaya, normally a reserve, coach Timothy Odeke is quietly confident of making a maiden final. KCCA have finished third in three of the last four Zone V events.
“We will manage with the resources we have,” Odeke said. He has a tough dice to roll in limiting the damage of Sarah Achan, sister to Oilers’ Ramadan Arou. Thereafter, forward Claire Lamunnu, scorer of 24, 19 and 32 in the three pool games must get going on offence as guard Flavia Oketcho has struggled all week.
Oilers, though without coach Mandy Juruni, have a similar puzzle. Guards Ben Komakech and Jimmy Enabu are not figureheads now. The former had only five points and committed seven turnovers in the 65-69 loss to KPA which kept them second in Pool A.
But, in Kami Kabange, averaging 14 and seven rebounds, Andrew Opio, eight and eight, and the raw energy of Arou, they have weapons to hurt the sleek Burundians.
editorial@ug.nationmedia.com
29 August 2014
UGANDA : Trio cruise into Zone V semis
Mike Buzangu’s highlight dunk didn’t stop City Oilers from advancing. Courtesy photo
By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Posted Friday, August 29 2014 at 01:00
Posted Friday, August 29 2014 at 01:00
In Summary
Basketball. This is the fifth successive occasion
that KCCA are reaching the last four but are yet to make the final in
that period. Three third place finishes are scant consolation.
This could yet turn out to the best Fiba Africa
Zone V Basketball Club Championships for Ugandan sides as three of the
four made it to today’s semifinals.
KCCA Leopards cruised into the final four, again, yesterday, just 10 hours after City Oilers and Tiger Head Power did so at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) centre, Makupa gymnasium.
The two men’s sides maintained their 100% starts on Wednesday night easily beating feeble opposition. Norman Blick scored 21 as Power thrashed Somali side ILS 94-42.
Oilers then labored to a 59-43 result against Ethiopia Waters to effectively knock out the 2012 champions Espoir from Rwanda. Espoir lost to Oilers and hosts KPA in a tough pool A.
Victory over Ethiopia’s GHA was never in doubt for KCCA and the 84-51 margin only confirmed the gulf in class. It was a morning of healing for Claire Lamunnu.
The forward scored 32 points while shooting 15 of 23 to bury the demons of Wednesday. She squandered a chance to beat the hosts, missing a free throws with nine seconds on the clock.
Lamunnu tied the game at 47-up and could have won it only for her attempt to hit the rim and send the game into the tournament’s only overtime game thus far. KPA won 53-49.
Coach Timothy Odeke will be pleased with the arrival of Muhayimina Namuwaya to beef the team’s inside presence in the absence of Martha Soigi and Peace Proscovia.
“Muha will help with our rebounding a great deal because we have struggled there,” point guard Flavia Oketcho, herself struggling here, said.
This is the fifth successive occasion that KCCA are reaching the last four but are yet to make the final in that period. Three third place finishes are scant consolation.
Power and Oilers will want to take lessons from them and go one better than their female counterparts or even emulate Falcons and Lady Bucks.
The latter two are the only Ugandan sides to have this event back in 2000 and 2004 when it was hosted in Kampala. Winning here might just better that.
KCCA Leopards cruised into the final four, again, yesterday, just 10 hours after City Oilers and Tiger Head Power did so at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) centre, Makupa gymnasium.
The two men’s sides maintained their 100% starts on Wednesday night easily beating feeble opposition. Norman Blick scored 21 as Power thrashed Somali side ILS 94-42.
Oilers then labored to a 59-43 result against Ethiopia Waters to effectively knock out the 2012 champions Espoir from Rwanda. Espoir lost to Oilers and hosts KPA in a tough pool A.
Victory over Ethiopia’s GHA was never in doubt for KCCA and the 84-51 margin only confirmed the gulf in class. It was a morning of healing for Claire Lamunnu.
The forward scored 32 points while shooting 15 of 23 to bury the demons of Wednesday. She squandered a chance to beat the hosts, missing a free throws with nine seconds on the clock.
Lamunnu tied the game at 47-up and could have won it only for her attempt to hit the rim and send the game into the tournament’s only overtime game thus far. KPA won 53-49.
Coach Timothy Odeke will be pleased with the arrival of Muhayimina Namuwaya to beef the team’s inside presence in the absence of Martha Soigi and Peace Proscovia.
“Muha will help with our rebounding a great deal because we have struggled there,” point guard Flavia Oketcho, herself struggling here, said.
This is the fifth successive occasion that KCCA are reaching the last four but are yet to make the final in that period. Three third place finishes are scant consolation.
Power and Oilers will want to take lessons from them and go one better than their female counterparts or even emulate Falcons and Lady Bucks.
The latter two are the only Ugandan sides to have this event back in 2000 and 2004 when it was hosted in Kampala. Winning here might just better that.
ZONE V CHAMPIONSHIPS
RESULTS
MEN: Power 94-42 ILS (Somalia)
City Oilers 59-43 Ethiopia Waters
WOMEN: KCCA 84-51 GHA (Ethiopia)
MEN: Power 94-42 ILS (Somalia)
City Oilers 59-43 Ethiopia Waters
WOMEN: KCCA 84-51 GHA (Ethiopia)
RWANDA : Espoir, APR suffer early exit in Zone V Basketball tourney
Zone V Basketball
Thursday, Men
Espoir (Rwa) 72-50 E. W.S (Eth)
Women
KPA (Ken) 60-38 APR (Rwa)
Wednesday, Men
Coop Bank (Ken) 54-62 Urunani (Bur)
KPA (Ken) 69-43 Espoir (Rwa)
City Oilers (Uga) 59-43 E. W.S (Eth)
Tiger Head Power (Uga) 92-42 I.L.S (Som)
Women
APR (Rwa) 64-51 Gha (Eth)
Bercostars (Bur) 68-49 UCU (Uga)
KPA (Ken) 53-49 KCCA (Uga)
Don Bosco (Tz) 49-73 USIU (Ken)
RWANDA’s two representatives at this year’s Fiba/Africa Zone V Club Championships Espoir and APR endured an early exit after failing to progress from their groups in Mombasa.
Former winners Espoir Basketball Club failed in their quest for a second regional title on Wednesday following a 43-69 loss to hosts Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The home-side won all the four quarters 16-15, 19-14, 15-8, and 19-6 respectively.
Nyamirambo-based Espoir had also lost the opening match 64-58 to Uganda’s City Oilers on Monday, but picked a consolation 72-50 win over Ethiopia Water Sports on Thursday, which was not enough as the damage had already been done.
In women’s category, APR BC, who were seeking for the first Zone V title saw their hopes shuttered in the 43-69 defeat at the hands of KPA in the final group game yesterday. They had previously lost 61-34 to Uganda’s KCCA on Monday but won 64-51 over Government House of Ethiopia on Wednesday.
The two Rwandan teams are scheduled to play classification games today before the semi-finals tomorrow and finals on Sunday at KPA Welfare Gymnasium in Mombasa, Kenya.
Thursday, Men
Espoir (Rwa) 72-50 E. W.S (Eth)
Women
KPA (Ken) 60-38 APR (Rwa)
Wednesday, Men
Coop Bank (Ken) 54-62 Urunani (Bur)
KPA (Ken) 69-43 Espoir (Rwa)
City Oilers (Uga) 59-43 E. W.S (Eth)
Tiger Head Power (Uga) 92-42 I.L.S (Som)
Women
APR (Rwa) 64-51 Gha (Eth)
Bercostars (Bur) 68-49 UCU (Uga)
KPA (Ken) 53-49 KCCA (Uga)
Don Bosco (Tz) 49-73 USIU (Ken)
RWANDA’s two representatives at this year’s Fiba/Africa Zone V Club Championships Espoir and APR endured an early exit after failing to progress from their groups in Mombasa.
Former winners Espoir Basketball Club failed in their quest for a second regional title on Wednesday following a 43-69 loss to hosts Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The home-side won all the four quarters 16-15, 19-14, 15-8, and 19-6 respectively.
Nyamirambo-based Espoir had also lost the opening match 64-58 to Uganda’s City Oilers on Monday, but picked a consolation 72-50 win over Ethiopia Water Sports on Thursday, which was not enough as the damage had already been done.
In women’s category, APR BC, who were seeking for the first Zone V title saw their hopes shuttered in the 43-69 defeat at the hands of KPA in the final group game yesterday. They had previously lost 61-34 to Uganda’s KCCA on Monday but won 64-51 over Government House of Ethiopia on Wednesday.
The two Rwandan teams are scheduled to play classification games today before the semi-finals tomorrow and finals on Sunday at KPA Welfare Gymnasium in Mombasa, Kenya.
28 August 2014
KENYA : False start for Co-Op Bank
Co-Operative Bank have lost their two opening matches in the Zone V championship at Makande Gymnasium, Mombasa.
Five-time champions, Co-operative Bank
has a mountain to climb at the Zone V basketball club championships
after losing its two opening games at the Makande Gymnasium, Mombasa.
They have two points from two games and must-win against Somalia’s ILS in their third match.
On Tuesday, the bankers were beaten 62-55 by Tigerhead Power from Uganda after trailing for most part of the game. The first quarter ended 22-18 in favour of the Ugandans and the second 19-14 for a 41-32 halftime lead to Tigerhead Power.
Co-op Bank bounced back to narrowly win the third quarter 14-10 but the Ugandans maintained a three points lead. Tigerhead Power carried the day with a 11-9 win in the fourth quarter.
Captain Brian Busu top scored for the Kenyans with 12 points while Paul Odong scored 15 for Tigerhead Power.
On Wednesday, Co-op Bank returned to the court against Burundi’s Urunani losing 54-62. Urunani led 31-26 at halftime after the bankers won first quarter 16-15 and the Burundians the second 16-10.
By the end of third quarter, Co-op Bank was trailing by ten points at 45-35 before losing out the battle in the fourth.
The other Kenyan representative Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) were due to play Rwanda’s Espoir on Wednesday night.
In the women category, KPA and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) made it two wins in as many matches. In their first game, USIU-A beat UCU from Uganda 45-36 and Tanzania’s Don Bosco 72-49.
Against Don Bosco, USIU-A started strongly with a 18-10 win in the first quarter and 25-18 in the second for a 43-28 lead at the breather.
The Kenyans exerted more pressure upon resumption to win the third quarter 14-7 and the fourth 15-14.
KPA needed overtime to win 53-49 against KCCA of Uganda. The game had tied 47-all in regulation time and 24-all at the breather. KPA won the first quarter 19-12 and KCCA the second 12-5.
After sizing up each other in the second half for the stalemate, KPA stole the show in added time with a 6-2 score. KPA won first game 87-47 against Ethiopia's Government House Agency and will play last game against Rwanda's APR.
In their last game, USIU-A play Berco Stars from Burundi who beat UCU 68-49 on Wednesday.
Zone V Full Results and Fixtures
Day One: KCCA (Uganda) 61 APR (Rwanda) 36, KPA 87 Government House Agency (Ethiopia) 47, City Oilers (Uganda) 64 Espoir (Rwanda) 58, KPA 86 vs Etho Waters (Ethiopia) 43; Day Two: Berco Stars (Burundi) 64 Don Bosco (Tanzania) 35, USIU- A (Kenya) 45 UCU (Uganda) 36, Co-op Bank (Kenya) 55 Tigerhead Power (Uganda) 62, I.L.S (Somalia) 33 Urunani (Burundi) 97; Day Three: APR ( Rwanda) 64 GHA ( Ethiopia) 51, Co-op Bank (Kenya) 54 Urunani (Burundi) 62, Don Bosco (Tanzania) 49 USIU-A (Kenya) 73, KPA (Kenya) 53 KCCA (Uganda) 49 AET, Berco Stars (Burundi) 68 Vs UCU (Uganda) 49, Tigerhead Power (Uganda) Vs I.L.S (Somalia), KPA (Kenya) Vs Espoir (Rwanda), City Oilers (Uganda) Vs Etho Watersport (Ethiopia); Day 4 Fixtures- UCU (Uganda) Vs Don Bosco (Tanzania), KCCA (Uganda) Vs GHA (Ethiopia), APR (Rwanda) Vs KPA (Kenya), Ethowater Sport ( Ethiopia) Vs Espoir (Rwanda), City Oilers (Uganda) Vs KPA (Kenya), Urunani (Burundi) Vs Tigerhead Power (Uganda), Berco Stars (Burundi) Vs USIU-A (Kenya), Co-op Bank (Kenya) Vs I.L.S (Somalia).
They have two points from two games and must-win against Somalia’s ILS in their third match.
On Tuesday, the bankers were beaten 62-55 by Tigerhead Power from Uganda after trailing for most part of the game. The first quarter ended 22-18 in favour of the Ugandans and the second 19-14 for a 41-32 halftime lead to Tigerhead Power.
Co-op Bank bounced back to narrowly win the third quarter 14-10 but the Ugandans maintained a three points lead. Tigerhead Power carried the day with a 11-9 win in the fourth quarter.
Captain Brian Busu top scored for the Kenyans with 12 points while Paul Odong scored 15 for Tigerhead Power.
On Wednesday, Co-op Bank returned to the court against Burundi’s Urunani losing 54-62. Urunani led 31-26 at halftime after the bankers won first quarter 16-15 and the Burundians the second 16-10.
By the end of third quarter, Co-op Bank was trailing by ten points at 45-35 before losing out the battle in the fourth.
The other Kenyan representative Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) were due to play Rwanda’s Espoir on Wednesday night.
In the women category, KPA and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) made it two wins in as many matches. In their first game, USIU-A beat UCU from Uganda 45-36 and Tanzania’s Don Bosco 72-49.
Against Don Bosco, USIU-A started strongly with a 18-10 win in the first quarter and 25-18 in the second for a 43-28 lead at the breather.
The Kenyans exerted more pressure upon resumption to win the third quarter 14-7 and the fourth 15-14.
KPA needed overtime to win 53-49 against KCCA of Uganda. The game had tied 47-all in regulation time and 24-all at the breather. KPA won the first quarter 19-12 and KCCA the second 12-5.
After sizing up each other in the second half for the stalemate, KPA stole the show in added time with a 6-2 score. KPA won first game 87-47 against Ethiopia's Government House Agency and will play last game against Rwanda's APR.
In their last game, USIU-A play Berco Stars from Burundi who beat UCU 68-49 on Wednesday.
Zone V Full Results and Fixtures
Day One: KCCA (Uganda) 61 APR (Rwanda) 36, KPA 87 Government House Agency (Ethiopia) 47, City Oilers (Uganda) 64 Espoir (Rwanda) 58, KPA 86 vs Etho Waters (Ethiopia) 43; Day Two: Berco Stars (Burundi) 64 Don Bosco (Tanzania) 35, USIU- A (Kenya) 45 UCU (Uganda) 36, Co-op Bank (Kenya) 55 Tigerhead Power (Uganda) 62, I.L.S (Somalia) 33 Urunani (Burundi) 97; Day Three: APR ( Rwanda) 64 GHA ( Ethiopia) 51, Co-op Bank (Kenya) 54 Urunani (Burundi) 62, Don Bosco (Tanzania) 49 USIU-A (Kenya) 73, KPA (Kenya) 53 KCCA (Uganda) 49 AET, Berco Stars (Burundi) 68 Vs UCU (Uganda) 49, Tigerhead Power (Uganda) Vs I.L.S (Somalia), KPA (Kenya) Vs Espoir (Rwanda), City Oilers (Uganda) Vs Etho Watersport (Ethiopia); Day 4 Fixtures- UCU (Uganda) Vs Don Bosco (Tanzania), KCCA (Uganda) Vs GHA (Ethiopia), APR (Rwanda) Vs KPA (Kenya), Ethowater Sport ( Ethiopia) Vs Espoir (Rwanda), City Oilers (Uganda) Vs KPA (Kenya), Urunani (Burundi) Vs Tigerhead Power (Uganda), Berco Stars (Burundi) Vs USIU-A (Kenya), Co-op Bank (Kenya) Vs I.L.S (Somalia).
RWANDA ; APR land first win in Zone V tourney
Wednesday
(Women)APR (Rwa) 64-51 GHA (Eth)Don Bosco (Tan) 49-72 USIU (Ken)
(Men)COOP Bank (Ken) 54-62 Urunani (Bur)
Today
(Women)UCU (Uga) vs Don Bosco (TZ) - 9amKCCA (Uga) vs GHA (Eth) - 10amAPR (Rwa) vs KPA (Ken) - 12pmBerco Stars (Bur) vs UCU (Ug) - 8pm
(Men)Espoir (Rwa) vs EWS (Eth) - 2pmKPA (Ken) vs City Oilers (Uga) - 4pmUrunani (Bur) vs Tiger Head (Uga) - 6pmCoop. Bank (Ken) vs I.L.S (Som) - 10pm
APR women basketball club registered their first win at the ongoing Fiba/Africa Zone V Club Championships in Mombasa with a 64-51 victory over Government House of Ethiopia on Wednesday morning.
Charles Mbazumutima’s military side controlled the game from the start, winning the first three quarters: 18-16, 19-12 and 17-12 before the Ethiopians snatched the fourth quarter 12-11. Charlotte Umugwaneza scored a game high 17 points and her team mate Joselyne Munyaneza added 15 points for the Rwanda side.
The win for the Rwandan team, follows the 36-61 defeat in the opening game against Uganda’s KCCA on Monday. APR return to action today needing a win against home team KPA to advance to the last four.
In the men’s category, 2012 champions Espoir BC, who were due to face Kenyan side KPA last night, will be up against Ethiopia Water Sports (EWS) this afternoon at 2pm in their third game of the tournament, following their 58-64 loss to Uganda’s City Oilers on Monday.
Contact email: editorial[at]newtimes.co.rw
(Women)APR (Rwa) 64-51 GHA (Eth)Don Bosco (Tan) 49-72 USIU (Ken)
(Men)COOP Bank (Ken) 54-62 Urunani (Bur)
Today
(Women)UCU (Uga) vs Don Bosco (TZ) - 9amKCCA (Uga) vs GHA (Eth) - 10amAPR (Rwa) vs KPA (Ken) - 12pmBerco Stars (Bur) vs UCU (Ug) - 8pm
(Men)Espoir (Rwa) vs EWS (Eth) - 2pmKPA (Ken) vs City Oilers (Uga) - 4pmUrunani (Bur) vs Tiger Head (Uga) - 6pmCoop. Bank (Ken) vs I.L.S (Som) - 10pm
APR women basketball club registered their first win at the ongoing Fiba/Africa Zone V Club Championships in Mombasa with a 64-51 victory over Government House of Ethiopia on Wednesday morning.
Charles Mbazumutima’s military side controlled the game from the start, winning the first three quarters: 18-16, 19-12 and 17-12 before the Ethiopians snatched the fourth quarter 12-11. Charlotte Umugwaneza scored a game high 17 points and her team mate Joselyne Munyaneza added 15 points for the Rwanda side.
The win for the Rwandan team, follows the 36-61 defeat in the opening game against Uganda’s KCCA on Monday. APR return to action today needing a win against home team KPA to advance to the last four.
In the men’s category, 2012 champions Espoir BC, who were due to face Kenyan side KPA last night, will be up against Ethiopia Water Sports (EWS) this afternoon at 2pm in their third game of the tournament, following their 58-64 loss to Uganda’s City Oilers on Monday.
Contact email: editorial[at]newtimes.co.rw
27 August 2014
KENYA : KPA victorious in Zone V opener
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), men's and
women's basketball teams kicked off their Zone V Club Championship
campaign with strong wins on day one of the week-long tournament at the
Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa.
Both teams floored Ethiopian opponents. The ladies were first on the court and easily saw off Government House Agency 87-47. Yvonne Akinyi led the scores for KPA with 17 points as they seek to win their eighth regional title. The dockers first won the title in 2001 and followed it up with titles in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.
KCCA from Uganda saw off Rwanda’s APR 61-36.
In the men's category, Tobias Onyango, Anthony Matongolo and Griffin Ligare led the charge with a combined 36 points as KPA beat Etho Waters 86-43. The team which is coached by Anthony Ojukwu have never won a regional title.
Uganda’s City Oilers beat Espoir of Rwanda 64-58 in the other game played on Monday.
Two more Kenyan teams will be in action on Tuesday. United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) women's side will face UCU from Uganda while Co-operative Bank will be in action for men against another Ugandan side Tigerhead Power.
Co-op Bank are five-time champions having won the regional title in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2009 and 2010. Other games on Tuesday will see Berco Stars from Burundi tackle Tanzania’s Don Bosco in the women's category while ILS from Somalia play Urunani from Burundi.
In Nairobi, the national classic league continued on Sunday. Eagle Wings beat Sprite Storms 53-44 after taking a 23-20 halftime lead. Evelyn Nora top scored for Eagle Wings with 17 points while Mercy Wanyama replied with 14 for Storms.
Co-Operative Bank overran Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) 67-20. Taudencia Peter score 16 points for Co-op Bank while Joyce Lynette scored 10 for the students.
In the men's premier, it was a bad outing for Thunder who lost their second straight match on Sunday. After the narrow 63-61 loss to Nairobi Aviation College on Saturday, Thunder went down 65-77 against Terror on Sunday after trailing 29-36 at halftime.
Frank Manyara scored 18 points for Terror with Cliff Alela top scoring for Thunder with 20 points. Strathmore University beat Mennonite 64-51 while Equity Bank squeezed past Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) with a 65-62 win.
KBF Weekend Results
Saturday: Thunder 61 Nairobi Aviation College 63, Blazers 48 KAA 77, Safe Spaces 32 Eagle Wings 102, Strathmore University 51 KCA-U 21, Umoja 64 Parklands Baptist 40, Little Prince 40 Dankind Academy 37, Barclays Bank 61 Eldonets 35; Sunday: Zetech College 88 MKU-Eldonets 43, Strathmore University 64 Mennonite 51, Umoja 20 Dankind Academy 0, Baraka Xtreme 62 Trailblazers 76, Parklands Baptist 26 Little Prince 61, KCA-U 20 Co-op Bank 67, Eagle Wings 53 Sprite Storms 44, Terror 77 Thunder 65, Equity Bank 65 KAA 62; Zone V Club Championship: Day One Results- KCCA ( Uganda) 61 APR ( Rwanda) 36, KPA 87 Government House Agency (Ethiopia) 47, City Oilers (Uganda) 64 Espoir (Rwanda) 58, KPA 86 vs Etho Waters (Ethiopia) 43; Day Two Fixtures- Berco Stars ( Bur) Vs Don Bosco ( Tz), USIU-A vs UCU ( Ug), Co-op Bank vs Tigerhead Power ( Ug), ILS ( Som) vs Urunani ( Bur).
Both teams floored Ethiopian opponents. The ladies were first on the court and easily saw off Government House Agency 87-47. Yvonne Akinyi led the scores for KPA with 17 points as they seek to win their eighth regional title. The dockers first won the title in 2001 and followed it up with titles in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.
KCCA from Uganda saw off Rwanda’s APR 61-36.
In the men's category, Tobias Onyango, Anthony Matongolo and Griffin Ligare led the charge with a combined 36 points as KPA beat Etho Waters 86-43. The team which is coached by Anthony Ojukwu have never won a regional title.
Uganda’s City Oilers beat Espoir of Rwanda 64-58 in the other game played on Monday.
Two more Kenyan teams will be in action on Tuesday. United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) women's side will face UCU from Uganda while Co-operative Bank will be in action for men against another Ugandan side Tigerhead Power.
Co-op Bank are five-time champions having won the regional title in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2009 and 2010. Other games on Tuesday will see Berco Stars from Burundi tackle Tanzania’s Don Bosco in the women's category while ILS from Somalia play Urunani from Burundi.
In Nairobi, the national classic league continued on Sunday. Eagle Wings beat Sprite Storms 53-44 after taking a 23-20 halftime lead. Evelyn Nora top scored for Eagle Wings with 17 points while Mercy Wanyama replied with 14 for Storms.
Co-Operative Bank overran Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) 67-20. Taudencia Peter score 16 points for Co-op Bank while Joyce Lynette scored 10 for the students.
In the men's premier, it was a bad outing for Thunder who lost their second straight match on Sunday. After the narrow 63-61 loss to Nairobi Aviation College on Saturday, Thunder went down 65-77 against Terror on Sunday after trailing 29-36 at halftime.
Frank Manyara scored 18 points for Terror with Cliff Alela top scoring for Thunder with 20 points. Strathmore University beat Mennonite 64-51 while Equity Bank squeezed past Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) with a 65-62 win.
KBF Weekend Results
Saturday: Thunder 61 Nairobi Aviation College 63, Blazers 48 KAA 77, Safe Spaces 32 Eagle Wings 102, Strathmore University 51 KCA-U 21, Umoja 64 Parklands Baptist 40, Little Prince 40 Dankind Academy 37, Barclays Bank 61 Eldonets 35; Sunday: Zetech College 88 MKU-Eldonets 43, Strathmore University 64 Mennonite 51, Umoja 20 Dankind Academy 0, Baraka Xtreme 62 Trailblazers 76, Parklands Baptist 26 Little Prince 61, KCA-U 20 Co-op Bank 67, Eagle Wings 53 Sprite Storms 44, Terror 77 Thunder 65, Equity Bank 65 KAA 62; Zone V Club Championship: Day One Results- KCCA ( Uganda) 61 APR ( Rwanda) 36, KPA 87 Government House Agency (Ethiopia) 47, City Oilers (Uganda) 64 Espoir (Rwanda) 58, KPA 86 vs Etho Waters (Ethiopia) 43; Day Two Fixtures- Berco Stars ( Bur) Vs Don Bosco ( Tz), USIU-A vs UCU ( Ug), Co-op Bank vs Tigerhead Power ( Ug), ILS ( Som) vs Urunani ( Bur).
UGANDA : Power triumph, UCU beaten
Three wins in four basketball games with three semifinal
possibilities today, Uganda’s contingent at the Fiba Zone V Club
Championship is ticking so many boxes.
With the exception of UCU Lady Canons’ 36-45 loss to Kenya’s USIU, the sheet is almost as white as it was when the draws were made at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) centre, Makupa gym.
Like City Oilers on Monday against Rwanda’s Espoir, Tiger Head Power showed grit and composure to beat Co-op Bank (Kenya) 62-55 in pool B that also had the defending champions Urunani (Burundi).
Power’s transition game was largely negated. An unusual piece in forward Michael Kojo provided the thrust for a deserved victory.
With the exception of UCU Lady Canons’ 36-45 loss to Kenya’s USIU, the sheet is almost as white as it was when the draws were made at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) centre, Makupa gym.
Like City Oilers on Monday against Rwanda’s Espoir, Tiger Head Power showed grit and composure to beat Co-op Bank (Kenya) 62-55 in pool B that also had the defending champions Urunani (Burundi).
Power’s transition game was largely negated. An unusual piece in forward Michael Kojo provided the thrust for a deserved victory.
Copying from Oilers’ Samuel Kalwanyi and Andrew
Opio, Kojo came off the bench to score 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Another reserve Paul Odong had 15. Norman Blick scored 11 points but
was benched for the entire fourth quarter as coach Bernes Ankunda opted
for Joseph Ikong even as he treaded a thin line on four fouls.
Ikong picked all four in the opening nine minutes. Power led 41-32 at the midway. A horror third period almost cost them the game. They failed to score for over five minutes. Then, Kojo took charge on both ends. “That was a big performance from him,” captain Ikong was quick to acknowledge. He just had to do it as Isaac Afidra’s local struggle continued here.
Ikong picked all four in the opening nine minutes. Power led 41-32 at the midway. A horror third period almost cost them the game. They failed to score for over five minutes. Then, Kojo took charge on both ends. “That was a big performance from him,” captain Ikong was quick to acknowledge. He just had to do it as Isaac Afidra’s local struggle continued here.
RWANDA : Espoir, APR look to recover from Monday defeats
Women
APR (Rwa) vs GHA (Eth) 9am
Don Bosco (Tan) vs USIU (Ken) 12pm
KPA (Ken) vs KCCA (Uga) 2pm
Berco Stars (Bur) vs UCU (Uga) 4pm
Men
Coop. Bank (Ken) vs Urunani (Bur) 10am
Tiger Head (Uga) vs I.L.S (Som) 6pm
KPA (Ken) vs Espoir (Rwa) 8pm
City Oilers (Uga) vs E.W.S (Eth)
RWANDA’s two representatives at this year’s Fiba/Africa Zone five club championships will be back in action today as they attempt to put behind them a disappointing start to the tournament in Mombasa.
Former Zone V champions Espoir BC suffered a 64-58 defeat to Ugandan champions of City Oilers, while APR women lost 36-61 to KCCA of Uganda in their opening matches.
Espoir, who are seeking to win a second regional title after their 2012 triumph in Kampala, will be up against home side KPA at 8pm, while APR face Government House of Ethiopia, from at 9am.
During last year’s edition in Bujumbura, APR women were eliminated in the group stages, while the then defending champions Espoir lost 56-66 to the 2012 first runners-up Urunani of Burundi in the final.
Espoir head coach Jean Bahufite told Times Sport from Kenya on Tuesday that Monday’s narrow loss was a wake-up call, which will only make his team stronger in the next games.
“Every team is strong in this tournament, so we need to be cautious and more focused in the next games. I can guarantee our fans that we will do our best in the game against KPA on Wednesday,” he noted.
Meanwhile, men’s defending champions Urunani and Burundi’s reining women’s league champions Berco Stars, will appear in the tournament after managing to raise funds to make the trip at the last hour—but the country’s would-be second men’s team, Newstars is certainly out.
APR (Rwa) vs GHA (Eth) 9am
Don Bosco (Tan) vs USIU (Ken) 12pm
KPA (Ken) vs KCCA (Uga) 2pm
Berco Stars (Bur) vs UCU (Uga) 4pm
Men
Coop. Bank (Ken) vs Urunani (Bur) 10am
Tiger Head (Uga) vs I.L.S (Som) 6pm
KPA (Ken) vs Espoir (Rwa) 8pm
City Oilers (Uga) vs E.W.S (Eth)
RWANDA’s two representatives at this year’s Fiba/Africa Zone five club championships will be back in action today as they attempt to put behind them a disappointing start to the tournament in Mombasa.
Former Zone V champions Espoir BC suffered a 64-58 defeat to Ugandan champions of City Oilers, while APR women lost 36-61 to KCCA of Uganda in their opening matches.
Espoir, who are seeking to win a second regional title after their 2012 triumph in Kampala, will be up against home side KPA at 8pm, while APR face Government House of Ethiopia, from at 9am.
During last year’s edition in Bujumbura, APR women were eliminated in the group stages, while the then defending champions Espoir lost 56-66 to the 2012 first runners-up Urunani of Burundi in the final.
Espoir head coach Jean Bahufite told Times Sport from Kenya on Tuesday that Monday’s narrow loss was a wake-up call, which will only make his team stronger in the next games.
“Every team is strong in this tournament, so we need to be cautious and more focused in the next games. I can guarantee our fans that we will do our best in the game against KPA on Wednesday,” he noted.
Meanwhile, men’s defending champions Urunani and Burundi’s reining women’s league champions Berco Stars, will appear in the tournament after managing to raise funds to make the trip at the last hour—but the country’s would-be second men’s team, Newstars is certainly out.
25 August 2014
KENYA : Hungry Lions Target Strath Varsity Lads
By Dann O'werre
LIONS take on Strathmore University in a top premier league basketball clash at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium tomorrow.
The former national champions have lately posted impressive results and should continue against the students who should also give a good account of themselves. Lions beat University of Nairobi "Terrorists" 65-57.
Thunder meet Eugene Genga's" UoN and then play Nairobi Aviation College (NAC). Griffin Ligare who led them to a close 56-52 victory over Blades will be the key.
Equity Bank posted a strong80-46 win over Blazers and can extend their winning streak when they take on Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) who then tackle Blazers who have yet to post a win.
Nakuru Club who suffered a 69-43 loss at the hands of Strathmore University host Nairobi Aviation College at the Menengai High School courts and will bank on James Okerio's exploits.
In women's matches, former champions Eagle Wings will be on focus. Their two wins against Co-op and have two matches against Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA).
Sprite Storms who fell 43-33 to rivals Sprite Storms play Safe Spaces and play KCA.
Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University meet Strathmore University. And in Kakamega, Western Delight host Mennonites.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) Kakamega will welcome World Hope who will then travel down hill to Kisumu to meet Lakeside.
Table toppers Danking Academy have two tough matches against Umoja and Little Prince. Zetech College confront MKU Eldonets. Baraka Xtrem play Trailblazers and also MKU Eldonets.
LIONS take on Strathmore University in a top premier league basketball clash at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium tomorrow.
The former national champions have lately posted impressive results and should continue against the students who should also give a good account of themselves. Lions beat University of Nairobi "Terrorists" 65-57.
Thunder meet Eugene Genga's" UoN and then play Nairobi Aviation College (NAC). Griffin Ligare who led them to a close 56-52 victory over Blades will be the key.
Equity Bank posted a strong80-46 win over Blazers and can extend their winning streak when they take on Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) who then tackle Blazers who have yet to post a win.
Nakuru Club who suffered a 69-43 loss at the hands of Strathmore University host Nairobi Aviation College at the Menengai High School courts and will bank on James Okerio's exploits.
In women's matches, former champions Eagle Wings will be on focus. Their two wins against Co-op and have two matches against Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA).
Sprite Storms who fell 43-33 to rivals Sprite Storms play Safe Spaces and play KCA.
Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University meet Strathmore University. And in Kakamega, Western Delight host Mennonites.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) Kakamega will welcome World Hope who will then travel down hill to Kisumu to meet Lakeside.
Table toppers Danking Academy have two tough matches against Umoja and Little Prince. Zetech College confront MKU Eldonets. Baraka Xtrem play Trailblazers and also MKU Eldonets.
RWANDA : Ruhezamihigo Confirms to Take Apart Zone V Hoops Meet
KENYA . Rain again interrupts game at Nyayo indoor Gymnasium
Lions at a past game at the Nyayo Indoor Gymnasium.(Photo:SNA File)
The ghosts of leaking roof returned to
haunt Kenya Basketball Federation league after the men premier game
between Strathmore University and Lions was stopped after only one
quarter on Saturday.
Heavy rains pounding Nairobi became unbearable as the playing surface was flooded with rain water just as Strathmore led 21-17.
The game was stopped at the onset of second quarter and will now be rescheduled to a later date.
Ironically, Strathmore were the victims last season when their game against KPA was stopped for similar reasons.
It was a game that Lions wanted to win by all means after having a good winning streak.
The former champions have bolstered their squad with several players from different league clubs as they position as serious title contender.
Simon Mayien and Harrison Omondi have joined from United States International University- Africa (USIU-A), Barrack Odhiambo from Kisii University and Congolese duo of Kishibagaya Jonathan from Dankind Academy and Arnold Zozo of Catholic University have all been instrumental in Lions’ rejuvenation.
This week, the club brought on board German David Burkowski to assist head coach Juma Ikapian and will be with the club for six weeks.
German coach for Lions
“I was expecting much from this game because the training was intensive,” Burkowski observed after the postponement of the Saturday game.
“I hope to help them perfect on a few things both as a team and individually. For the few days I have been around, I have seen they have the potential.”
Nairobi Aviation College beat Thunder by a basket scoring 63-61 with Ben Oluoch notching 18 points. Thunder’s highest scorer was Cliff Alela with 15 points.
Thunder led 33-31 at the breather with 16-14 win in the first quarter and a 17-all tie in the second. A dominant display in the third quarter had Aviation win 19-9 to assume an eight points lead but lost the fourth 19-13.
Blazers cemented its position in the relegation zone after losing 48-77 to Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). Only six players turned up for Blazers.
In as many games, Safe Spaces could not raise quorum as only five players featured in their 102-32 humiliation by Eagle Wings. So weak was Safe Spaces that they only scored a double digit in only one quarter.
Wings carried the day 24-6, 32-8, 23-7 and 23-11. Salma Akinyi top scored for Wings with 22 points as Annerose Atieno added 18. Immaculate Agusta scored 13 points for Safe Spaces.
Strathmore University reaped maximum points after beating Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) in quarters of 19-7, 10-5, 6-2 and 16-7.
Mollete Achieng scored 14 points for Strathmore while KCA-Us highest scorer was Rebecca Nkatha with 7. In division one, Barclays Bank beat Eldonetts 61-35, Umoja scored 64-40 past Parklands Baptist while Little Prince won 40-37 against Dankind Academy.
Collated Results: Thunder 61 Nairobi Aviation College 63, Blazers 48 KAA 77, Safe Spaces 32 Eagle Wings 102, Strathmore University 51 KCA-U 21, Umoja 64 Parklands Baptist 40, Little Prince 40 Dankind Academy 37, Barclays Bank 61 Eldonetts 35.
Heavy rains pounding Nairobi became unbearable as the playing surface was flooded with rain water just as Strathmore led 21-17.
The game was stopped at the onset of second quarter and will now be rescheduled to a later date.
Ironically, Strathmore were the victims last season when their game against KPA was stopped for similar reasons.
It was a game that Lions wanted to win by all means after having a good winning streak.
The former champions have bolstered their squad with several players from different league clubs as they position as serious title contender.
Simon Mayien and Harrison Omondi have joined from United States International University- Africa (USIU-A), Barrack Odhiambo from Kisii University and Congolese duo of Kishibagaya Jonathan from Dankind Academy and Arnold Zozo of Catholic University have all been instrumental in Lions’ rejuvenation.
This week, the club brought on board German David Burkowski to assist head coach Juma Ikapian and will be with the club for six weeks.
German coach for Lions
“I was expecting much from this game because the training was intensive,” Burkowski observed after the postponement of the Saturday game.
“I hope to help them perfect on a few things both as a team and individually. For the few days I have been around, I have seen they have the potential.”
Nairobi Aviation College beat Thunder by a basket scoring 63-61 with Ben Oluoch notching 18 points. Thunder’s highest scorer was Cliff Alela with 15 points.
Thunder led 33-31 at the breather with 16-14 win in the first quarter and a 17-all tie in the second. A dominant display in the third quarter had Aviation win 19-9 to assume an eight points lead but lost the fourth 19-13.
Blazers cemented its position in the relegation zone after losing 48-77 to Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). Only six players turned up for Blazers.
In as many games, Safe Spaces could not raise quorum as only five players featured in their 102-32 humiliation by Eagle Wings. So weak was Safe Spaces that they only scored a double digit in only one quarter.
Wings carried the day 24-6, 32-8, 23-7 and 23-11. Salma Akinyi top scored for Wings with 22 points as Annerose Atieno added 18. Immaculate Agusta scored 13 points for Safe Spaces.
Strathmore University reaped maximum points after beating Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) in quarters of 19-7, 10-5, 6-2 and 16-7.
Mollete Achieng scored 14 points for Strathmore while KCA-Us highest scorer was Rebecca Nkatha with 7. In division one, Barclays Bank beat Eldonetts 61-35, Umoja scored 64-40 past Parklands Baptist while Little Prince won 40-37 against Dankind Academy.
Collated Results: Thunder 61 Nairobi Aviation College 63, Blazers 48 KAA 77, Safe Spaces 32 Eagle Wings 102, Strathmore University 51 KCA-U 21, Umoja 64 Parklands Baptist 40, Little Prince 40 Dankind Academy 37, Barclays Bank 61 Eldonetts 35.
ZONE 5 : Title-holders Urunani withdraw from Zone 5 Hoops tournament
Urunani players going throuh shooting practice before last year's final against Espoir in Bujumbura. File photo
Defending champions Urunani of Burundi have
pulled out of this year’s Fiba/Africa Zone V Club Championships, which
starts today and will run until August 31 in Mombasa, Kenya.The decision to withdraw from the regional tournament, arose from the team’s failure to raise funds for their trip to Mombasa. Two other Burundian teams—Newstars (men) and Berco Stars (women) have also pulled out due to the same reason.
According to reports in the Burundian media, the Burundian Ministry of Sports had promised to offer US$750 to each of the three clubs, yet each team needed at least US$900 to make the trip. Therefore, after failing to raise the money, they decided to pull out.
Urunani’s withdrawal, gives a big chance to two-time Rwandan champions Espoir because Burundian clubs have been their major threat in the competition in the last few years.
Last year, in Bujumbura, Urunani beat Espoir in the final 65-56, while Eagle Wings from Kenya retained the title after overcoming their Nairobi archrivals USIU 67-62 in the final game.
Espoir won Zone V title in 2012 after beating Urunani 90-39 in the final when the tournament was held in Kampala, Uganda. Apart from Espoir, Rwanda will also be represented by APR in the women category.
The withdrawal of the three Burundian teams brings down the number of teams participating in this year’s edition to 15—eight for men and seven for women.
The men’s teams include; Etho Water (Ethiopia), Coop Bank and KPA (Kenya), Espoir (Rwanda), I.L.S (Somalia) City Oliers, Tiger Head Power (Uganda) and JFK (Tanzania).
The women category has; Government House (Ethiopia), KPA and USIU (Kenya) APR (Rwanda), KCCA and UCU (Uganda) and Don Bosco (Tanzania).
23 August 2014
RWANDA : Espoir, APR BC set off for Zone V tourney in Mombasa
Espoir men and APR women basketball clubs depart to Kenya this
morning aboard Kenya Airways for this year’s Fiba/Africa Zone V Club
Championships.
The 2014 edition gets underway on Monday and will run until August 31 at KPA Makande Hall in Mombasa.
Hopefuls Espoir will be out to fight for the second regional title following their 2012 success in Kampala, while APR women will be vying for their first title.
“I’m confident in my team and totally convinced that we have all the required tools to return home with the trophy. We have had good preparations and just need to keep focus on one game at a time,” Espoir coach Jean Bahufite told Saturday Sport yesterday.
He said that last year in Bujumbura, they got carried away and lost focus which cost them the title after losing 65-56 to home side Urunani, a team they had smashed 90-39 to lift the previous year’s title in Uganda.
On the other hand, APR women team will be fighting for their last chance of winning a trophy this year after bowing to Ubumwe BC in both the league and play-offs on the local scene.
Espoir squad: Lionnel Hakizimana, Pascal Kerekezi, Aristide Mugabe (captain), Bienvenu Ngandu, Olivier Shyaka, Elie Kaje, Aboubakar Barame, Mike Buzangu and Steven Havugintwari
Coach: Jean Bahufite
Assistant coach: Maxime Mwiseneza
APR squad: Chantal Akumuntu, Joseline Mugiraneza, Jovite Kabarere, Denise Uwase, Charlotte Mugwaneza, Sandra Kantore, Brandine Munyamberera, Vanessa Umwizerwa, Claudette Mugwaneza, Rosine Micomyiza, Cecile Nzaramba
Coach: Charles Mbazumutimna
Assistant Coach: Aime Karim Nkusi
The 2014 edition gets underway on Monday and will run until August 31 at KPA Makande Hall in Mombasa.
Hopefuls Espoir will be out to fight for the second regional title following their 2012 success in Kampala, while APR women will be vying for their first title.
“I’m confident in my team and totally convinced that we have all the required tools to return home with the trophy. We have had good preparations and just need to keep focus on one game at a time,” Espoir coach Jean Bahufite told Saturday Sport yesterday.
He said that last year in Bujumbura, they got carried away and lost focus which cost them the title after losing 65-56 to home side Urunani, a team they had smashed 90-39 to lift the previous year’s title in Uganda.
On the other hand, APR women team will be fighting for their last chance of winning a trophy this year after bowing to Ubumwe BC in both the league and play-offs on the local scene.
Espoir squad: Lionnel Hakizimana, Pascal Kerekezi, Aristide Mugabe (captain), Bienvenu Ngandu, Olivier Shyaka, Elie Kaje, Aboubakar Barame, Mike Buzangu and Steven Havugintwari
Coach: Jean Bahufite
Assistant coach: Maxime Mwiseneza
APR squad: Chantal Akumuntu, Joseline Mugiraneza, Jovite Kabarere, Denise Uwase, Charlotte Mugwaneza, Sandra Kantore, Brandine Munyamberera, Vanessa Umwizerwa, Claudette Mugwaneza, Rosine Micomyiza, Cecile Nzaramba
Coach: Charles Mbazumutimna
Assistant Coach: Aime Karim Nkusi
22 August 2014
RWANDA : Espoir turn focus on Zone V championships
Aboubakar Barame is among Espoir’s new reinforcements. S. Ngendahimana
Espoir basketball club have turned attention
to the forthcoming Fiba/Africa Zone V Club Championships after losing to
CSK in Games 3 in the play-offs finals last weekend.This year’s Zone V club championship is scheduled for August 25 to 31at KPA Makande Hall in Mombassa, Kenya. Last year’s edition was held in Bujumbura, Burundi while Uganda hosted the 2012 edition.
Two-time play-offs defending champions Espoir failed to get the one victory they needed to retain the title on Sunday after losing 74-63 to rivals Cercle sportif de Kigali in Game 3 of the best of five finals at Amahoro indoor stadium.
Holders Espoir had won 60-51 Game one and 86-66 Game two on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Speaking to Times Sport on Wednesday, Espoir coach Jean Bahufite said: “CSK spoiled our party on Sunday; however, we were not depressed by the defeat. Things simply did not go our way but we now have to focus on the Fiba/Africa Zone V club Championships.”
Asked about how ready his team was for the regional competition after playing three games in three days, the former Espoir player emphasised that the play-offs did not drain his players but instead helped them get even fitter.
Espoir won the Zone V title in 2012 and reached the final last year before losing to Urunani of Burundi, a side they beat in the final the previous year in Kampala.
Bahufite has since boosted his squad with four new players, namely; Aboubakar Barame and Mike Buzangu (from CSK), Steven Havugintwari (from IPRC-Kicukiro) and US-based Bradley Cameroon as he bids to win a second regional title.
The Nyamirambo-based outfit is set to leave for Mombasa, kenya on Saturday, two days before the tournament kicks-off. Rwanda will also be represented by APR in women category.
21 August 2014
KENYA : Three More Teams Confirm Entry in Fiba-Africa Zone 5 Tourney
By Dann O'werre
KPA VS Angolan Africa Championship for Women FIBA Africa basketball champoinships IN in Abuja Nigeria.
THREE more teams have confirmed entry in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championships that throws off in Mombasa on Monday.
According to Coast Basketball Association (CBA) chairman Hilmy Ali, two men's sides and one women's team will participate in the six-day championships to be held at the Kenya Port Authority (KPA) Welfare Hall in Makande.
"We have now received three more entries, taking the total number of participants to 18," said Ali adding that, " There will now be only one venue as Aga Khan hall is not available. This means the games will run late."
The new teams, he said are JKT from Tanzania, I.L.S from Somali and Government from Ethiopia.
Flying the nation's flag in the men's category will be league champions Co-op Bank of Kenya and KPA. The porters will also take cate of the countries interests in the women's event alongside United States International University.
Also to have confirmed entry are-- men's defending champions Urunani, Newstars and Berco Stars (Burundi).
Others are--Ethiopia Water (Ethiopia), Espoir (Rwanda), City Oilers, Tiger Head Power, KCCA, UCU Canons (Uganda) and Don Bosco (Tanzania).
He said more entries are expected from South Sudan and Zanzibar. The winners will book a ticket to the Africa Club Championships set for later in the year.
Meanwhile, Kenya's Wesonga Agina and Ussene Camillo (Mozambique) have been named technical Commissioners during the event. Neutral referees Munatamba UwezI (Zambia), Suwila Suwilanji (Zambia), Banza Kalume Tonton (DR Congo) and Joyce Muchenu (Zimbabwe) are neutral referees while accompanying referees are Ndayitwayeko Augustin (Burundi) and Gode Vitalis, Wakaba Sammy and Mbalu Ambrose Kisoi -- all from Kenya.
Others are_Kirabo Peter (Uganda), Shema Maboko Didier (Rwanda), Rugali Isaac (Rwanda, Welenlign Fikadu (Ethiopia), Saleeban Ali (Somalia) and statistics supervisor Sevaux Arnaud (France).
KPA VS Angolan Africa Championship for Women FIBA Africa basketball champoinships IN in Abuja Nigeria.
THREE more teams have confirmed entry in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championships that throws off in Mombasa on Monday.
According to Coast Basketball Association (CBA) chairman Hilmy Ali, two men's sides and one women's team will participate in the six-day championships to be held at the Kenya Port Authority (KPA) Welfare Hall in Makande.
"We have now received three more entries, taking the total number of participants to 18," said Ali adding that, " There will now be only one venue as Aga Khan hall is not available. This means the games will run late."
The new teams, he said are JKT from Tanzania, I.L.S from Somali and Government from Ethiopia.
Flying the nation's flag in the men's category will be league champions Co-op Bank of Kenya and KPA. The porters will also take cate of the countries interests in the women's event alongside United States International University.
Also to have confirmed entry are-- men's defending champions Urunani, Newstars and Berco Stars (Burundi).
Others are--Ethiopia Water (Ethiopia), Espoir (Rwanda), City Oilers, Tiger Head Power, KCCA, UCU Canons (Uganda) and Don Bosco (Tanzania).
He said more entries are expected from South Sudan and Zanzibar. The winners will book a ticket to the Africa Club Championships set for later in the year.
Meanwhile, Kenya's Wesonga Agina and Ussene Camillo (Mozambique) have been named technical Commissioners during the event. Neutral referees Munatamba UwezI (Zambia), Suwila Suwilanji (Zambia), Banza Kalume Tonton (DR Congo) and Joyce Muchenu (Zimbabwe) are neutral referees while accompanying referees are Ndayitwayeko Augustin (Burundi) and Gode Vitalis, Wakaba Sammy and Mbalu Ambrose Kisoi -- all from Kenya.
Others are_Kirabo Peter (Uganda), Shema Maboko Didier (Rwanda), Rugali Isaac (Rwanda, Welenlign Fikadu (Ethiopia), Saleeban Ali (Somalia) and statistics supervisor Sevaux Arnaud (France).
KENYA : Eagle Wings will not defend Zone V title
Eagle Wings Annrose Atieno dribbles the ball in a past league match. Eagles will not defend their zone V trophy.(Photo:SNA File)
Fiba Zone five(V) ladies champions
Eagle Wings of Kenya will not defend the title at this year’s
championship to be staged in Mombasa from August 25-31 and hosted by the
Coast Basketball Association.
The former local league champions had hoped to get a green card by the virtue of being Africa bronze medalist and the zone’s defending champions. There is no such provision in Fiba rules for such a privilege which technically knocks them out.
Four Kenyan clubs have been confirmed for the championship- the women's league champions Kenya Ports Authority and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) while Co-operative Bank and KPA have been confirmed in the men’s category.
KPA and USIU-A finished second to Eagle Wings in the last two editions, KPA losing 54-74 in 2012 and USIU-A 62-67 in 2013.
So far, fifteen clubs have confirmed participation in both categories.
Burundi has three in Urunani, Bercostars and Newstars while Rwanda has Espoir and APR. Uganda will be represented by City Oilers, KCCA, Tiger Head Power and UCU while Don Bosco has been confirmed from Tanzania.
Etho Water is the only team confirmed from Ethiopia while no team has been confirmed from South Sudan and Zanzibar.
Former men premier league champions Ulinzi Warriors will also be away as they take part in the annual East African Military Games in Zanzibar.
The soldiers who are the defending champions will leave the country on Monday night without seven key players. Ancette Wafula, Tiberius Menya, Geoffrey Mwaniki, Anthony Bwire and Eric Mutoro are all civilians thus ineligible to participate while Dieter Okoth and Paul Olanya are on military mission.
The 12-man travelling team will be led by head coach William Balozi and includes captain William Ochieng, Mike Tanui, Victor Odendo, Byron Mabonga and Joseph Goshi.
Co-op beat Mennonite
Only Co-op Bank out of the teams to take part in regional tourneys was involved in league action over the weekend.
The bankers beat Mennonite 61-39 on Sunday with 11 points from Mark Mayien as Felix Odhiambo scored 10 for Mennonite. Mennonite lost the second match of the weekend 51-62 to Terror.
Blazers’ wait to strike the first league win continued after losing two straight matches. On Sunday, they lost 46-80 to Equity Bank.
The bankers led 41-19 at halftime winning the first two quarters 25-11 and 16-8.
Their dominance extended to the second half with 20-11 and 19-16 wins in the closing quarters. Fred Lugasi top scored for Equity with 15 points while Jay Michoma had 8 for Blazers.
On Saturday, Blazers was beaten 77-41 by university side Blades.
The students were on the losing end come Sunday falling 56-52 to Thunder while Strathmore University beat Nakuru Club 69-43.
Wings fly over KCA and Co-op
In women premier, Eagle Wings registered two wins beating Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) 96-28 and Co-op Bank 46-44.
Strathmore University completed a weekend double beating Sprite Storms 43-33 and Safe Spaces 69-57. Storms beat Mennonite 69-15 in their second game.
KBF Weekend Results: Saturday- KCA-U 56 Dankind 45, Parklands Baptist 72 World Hope 87, Mennonite 15 Sprite Storms 69, Trailblazers 58 JKUAT 43, Eagle Wings 96 KCA-U 28, Little Prince 47 Zetech College 64, Safe Spaces 57 Strathmore University 69, Blades 77 Blazers 41, Mennonite 51 Terror 62; Sunday- JKUAT 25 Dankind 53, KCA-U 59 Parklands Baptist 25, Trailblazers 40 Umoja 54, Sprite Storms 33 Strathmore University 43, Safe Spaces 38 KCA-U 30, Lions 65 Terror 57, Co-op Bank 61 Mennonite 39 (men), Strathmore University 69 Nakuru Club 43, Eagle Wings 46 Co-op Bank 44, Blazers 46 Equity Bank 80, Blades 52 Thunder 56. Ulinzi Squad to EAC Military Games: Bernard Mufutu, Mike Tanui,William Ochieng, Victor Odendo, Victor Simba, Joseph Goshi, Joseph Owino, John Messa, Vincent Ambani, Byron Mabonga, Martin Okinda, Edward Kalume.
The former local league champions had hoped to get a green card by the virtue of being Africa bronze medalist and the zone’s defending champions. There is no such provision in Fiba rules for such a privilege which technically knocks them out.
Four Kenyan clubs have been confirmed for the championship- the women's league champions Kenya Ports Authority and United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) while Co-operative Bank and KPA have been confirmed in the men’s category.
KPA and USIU-A finished second to Eagle Wings in the last two editions, KPA losing 54-74 in 2012 and USIU-A 62-67 in 2013.
So far, fifteen clubs have confirmed participation in both categories.
Burundi has three in Urunani, Bercostars and Newstars while Rwanda has Espoir and APR. Uganda will be represented by City Oilers, KCCA, Tiger Head Power and UCU while Don Bosco has been confirmed from Tanzania.
Etho Water is the only team confirmed from Ethiopia while no team has been confirmed from South Sudan and Zanzibar.
Former men premier league champions Ulinzi Warriors will also be away as they take part in the annual East African Military Games in Zanzibar.
The soldiers who are the defending champions will leave the country on Monday night without seven key players. Ancette Wafula, Tiberius Menya, Geoffrey Mwaniki, Anthony Bwire and Eric Mutoro are all civilians thus ineligible to participate while Dieter Okoth and Paul Olanya are on military mission.
The 12-man travelling team will be led by head coach William Balozi and includes captain William Ochieng, Mike Tanui, Victor Odendo, Byron Mabonga and Joseph Goshi.
Co-op beat Mennonite
Only Co-op Bank out of the teams to take part in regional tourneys was involved in league action over the weekend.
The bankers beat Mennonite 61-39 on Sunday with 11 points from Mark Mayien as Felix Odhiambo scored 10 for Mennonite. Mennonite lost the second match of the weekend 51-62 to Terror.
Blazers’ wait to strike the first league win continued after losing two straight matches. On Sunday, they lost 46-80 to Equity Bank.
The bankers led 41-19 at halftime winning the first two quarters 25-11 and 16-8.
Their dominance extended to the second half with 20-11 and 19-16 wins in the closing quarters. Fred Lugasi top scored for Equity with 15 points while Jay Michoma had 8 for Blazers.
On Saturday, Blazers was beaten 77-41 by university side Blades.
The students were on the losing end come Sunday falling 56-52 to Thunder while Strathmore University beat Nakuru Club 69-43.
Wings fly over KCA and Co-op
In women premier, Eagle Wings registered two wins beating Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) 96-28 and Co-op Bank 46-44.
Strathmore University completed a weekend double beating Sprite Storms 43-33 and Safe Spaces 69-57. Storms beat Mennonite 69-15 in their second game.
KBF Weekend Results: Saturday- KCA-U 56 Dankind 45, Parklands Baptist 72 World Hope 87, Mennonite 15 Sprite Storms 69, Trailblazers 58 JKUAT 43, Eagle Wings 96 KCA-U 28, Little Prince 47 Zetech College 64, Safe Spaces 57 Strathmore University 69, Blades 77 Blazers 41, Mennonite 51 Terror 62; Sunday- JKUAT 25 Dankind 53, KCA-U 59 Parklands Baptist 25, Trailblazers 40 Umoja 54, Sprite Storms 33 Strathmore University 43, Safe Spaces 38 KCA-U 30, Lions 65 Terror 57, Co-op Bank 61 Mennonite 39 (men), Strathmore University 69 Nakuru Club 43, Eagle Wings 46 Co-op Bank 44, Blazers 46 Equity Bank 80, Blades 52 Thunder 56. Ulinzi Squad to EAC Military Games: Bernard Mufutu, Mike Tanui,William Ochieng, Victor Odendo, Victor Simba, Joseph Goshi, Joseph Owino, John Messa, Vincent Ambani, Byron Mabonga, Martin Okinda, Edward Kalume.
20 August 2014
UGANDA : Power, City Oilers post easy wins as Zone V nears
Power, City Oilers post easy wins as Zone V nears
Photo Credits: Daily Monitor
City Oilers during a breather last season
Sunday Results:
Women:
Nkumba Lady Marines 107-25 Crane High Ladies
Magic Stormers 43-39 KIU Rangers
Men:
Nkumba Marines 38-64 Sharing Youths
Tiger Head Power 65-37 Diamonds in the Sun
Charging Rhinos 61-80 City Oilers
Zone V bound Tiger Head Power and City Oilers eased past Diamonds in the Sun and Charging Rhinos respectively as they tune up for the regional elite club championships due next week in Mombasa.
Power saw off struggling new comers 65-37 pace by Abdulahi Ramadhani’s 14 points and 7 assists. Daniels Owiti added 12 points and 8 rebounds as Power (8-4) dominated from tip-off to the finals horn.
Isaac Afidra had 10 points and picked 10 rebounds. Micheal Kojo also contributed 10 points for Power and grabbed game high 12 rebounds.
In the other game Sharing Youths used a combined offensive attack to blow Nkumba Marines 64-38. Steven Otoa scored 8 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to led the way for the Youths (5-7) while Tony Okello and Nicholus Ola had 9 points each. Marcus Leo Angolo had game high 19 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort for Marines (2-11). Shaban Ramadhan added 13 points.
In the women’s division, Brenda Akone and Esther Apolot scored season highs 38 and 26 points respectively as Nkumba Lady Marines spanked school side Crane High 107-25. Barbara Gimbo, Cathy Haruri and Esther Marion also recorde double figure in the route with 14, 11 and 10 points respectively. Kush Nakazzi had 8 for Crane High who are yet to record a win this season and may not.
KIU Rangers recorded a second straight loss. After a strong first half of the season the Rangers have not dropped both their second round games played so far. KIU fell to Magic Stormers 43-39 on Sunday.
Women:
Nkumba Lady Marines 107-25 Crane High Ladies
Magic Stormers 43-39 KIU Rangers
Men:
Nkumba Marines 38-64 Sharing Youths
Tiger Head Power 65-37 Diamonds in the Sun
Charging Rhinos 61-80 City Oilers
Zone V bound Tiger Head Power and City Oilers eased past Diamonds in the Sun and Charging Rhinos respectively as they tune up for the regional elite club championships due next week in Mombasa.
Power saw off struggling new comers 65-37 pace by Abdulahi Ramadhani’s 14 points and 7 assists. Daniels Owiti added 12 points and 8 rebounds as Power (8-4) dominated from tip-off to the finals horn.
Isaac Afidra had 10 points and picked 10 rebounds. Micheal Kojo also contributed 10 points for Power and grabbed game high 12 rebounds.
Donald Ssali had 10 points for DITS.
Meanwhile, City Oilers beat Charging Rhinos 80-61. Big man Arou
Ramadhan led Oilers with 20 points and 11 boards in 19 minutes. Andrew
Opio added 12 while Daniel Najja Juuko and Kami Kabange contributed 10
points each. Fahmy Sebantindira had team and season high 18 points to
lead Rhinos (4-8). Joseph Ondyek and Isaac Kamya chipped in with 9
points each.In the other game Sharing Youths used a combined offensive attack to blow Nkumba Marines 64-38. Steven Otoa scored 8 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to led the way for the Youths (5-7) while Tony Okello and Nicholus Ola had 9 points each. Marcus Leo Angolo had game high 19 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort for Marines (2-11). Shaban Ramadhan added 13 points.
In the women’s division, Brenda Akone and Esther Apolot scored season highs 38 and 26 points respectively as Nkumba Lady Marines spanked school side Crane High 107-25. Barbara Gimbo, Cathy Haruri and Esther Marion also recorde double figure in the route with 14, 11 and 10 points respectively. Kush Nakazzi had 8 for Crane High who are yet to record a win this season and may not.
KIU Rangers recorded a second straight loss. After a strong first half of the season the Rangers have not dropped both their second round games played so far. KIU fell to Magic Stormers 43-39 on Sunday.
KENYA : Atebe Lifts Don Bosco Over Pac University in NBA League
JOEL Atebe registered a record 56 points as Don Bosco walloped Pan
Africa Christian (PAC) University 114-54 in a Nairobi Basketball
Association (NBA) league tie at Railways Club.
This was the second century in the league and Atebe, who continues to lead the scoring chart this year even signed off with a three pointer that spiced up score-line. Mickey Odenyo scored 18 for the losers. Leaders Mt. Kenya University, Thika extended their good run with a 55-48 win over Pandas. Gaston Simidi led the scoring chart with 16 points with Paul Luvanda adding 15 for Pandas. Ulinzi clobbered Old Pirates 53-25, behind Steve Omollo's 17 points. The losers conceded they played badly and need to improve in their subsequent fixtures to finish in a good position. All Stars were dimmed 66-64 by Legacy in a tight duel that could have gone either way. Lameck Ombuya scored 15 points for the winners while the losers had 19 from John Mafabi.
Gladiators tried to apply the brakes on run away leaders Equity Bank but without success as they were vaulted 51-26 with Samba Mjomba hitting 18 and Linda Mfuchi scoring 13. Fast improving Zetech College produced another super show clamping MKU Thika 54-43 with Naomi Oyaro was the top scorers as she provided her team's 11 points. In their last match before they travel to Dar-es-Salaam this weekend for the regional school games, Parkands Arya Girls were down 9-18 to Strathmore before pulling out of the tie citing poor refereeing.
This was the second century in the league and Atebe, who continues to lead the scoring chart this year even signed off with a three pointer that spiced up score-line. Mickey Odenyo scored 18 for the losers. Leaders Mt. Kenya University, Thika extended their good run with a 55-48 win over Pandas. Gaston Simidi led the scoring chart with 16 points with Paul Luvanda adding 15 for Pandas. Ulinzi clobbered Old Pirates 53-25, behind Steve Omollo's 17 points. The losers conceded they played badly and need to improve in their subsequent fixtures to finish in a good position. All Stars were dimmed 66-64 by Legacy in a tight duel that could have gone either way. Lameck Ombuya scored 15 points for the winners while the losers had 19 from John Mafabi.
Gladiators tried to apply the brakes on run away leaders Equity Bank but without success as they were vaulted 51-26 with Samba Mjomba hitting 18 and Linda Mfuchi scoring 13. Fast improving Zetech College produced another super show clamping MKU Thika 54-43 with Naomi Oyaro was the top scorers as she provided her team's 11 points. In their last match before they travel to Dar-es-Salaam this weekend for the regional school games, Parkands Arya Girls were down 9-18 to Strathmore before pulling out of the tie citing poor refereeing.
TANZANIA : Basketball Teams Urged to Register
By Alexander Sanga
Mwanza — ALL basketball clubs in Mwanza Region have been directed to update their constitutions within two weeks from now so that they can be registered by the regional body.
Mwanza Regional Basketball Association (MRBA) acting chairman Vicent Shinda said at the weekend that it is mandatory for all the clubs to prepare and put their houses in order, including amending their constitutions in the coming two weeks.
"All basketball clubs must have constitutions to help them in day to day running of their teams and other issues such as registration of players as well as helping club leaders to know their responsibilities," he said.
He said the constitutions must stipulate steps to be taken in case of an abuse of office by the club leaders and punishment of players. Mwanza region has total of 11 basketball clubs and only two -- Bugando Planet and Babylone Byforce -- are registered.
According to MRBA acting secretary general Kizito Bahati, unregistered clubs are Bugando Heats, Bugando Warriors, Nyakato Blandon, Dolphins, Mwanza Eagles, SAUT, The Punishers, Butimba Spiders and St Francis.
"Only the registered teams will be allowed to take part in the regional basketball league with the exception of Kwimba, Sengerema and Ukerewe districts that don't have basketball teams' he said.
MRBA has directed the regional team to start preparations for the National Basketball League scheduled for November 22-28 in Dodoma as soon as possible.
Kizito said they have organized a course for coaches and referees to be held in Mwanza next month and participation fee is 50,000/- . It will draw participants from Simiyu, Geita, Mara, Shinyanga and Mwanza regions.
Mwanza — ALL basketball clubs in Mwanza Region have been directed to update their constitutions within two weeks from now so that they can be registered by the regional body.
Mwanza Regional Basketball Association (MRBA) acting chairman Vicent Shinda said at the weekend that it is mandatory for all the clubs to prepare and put their houses in order, including amending their constitutions in the coming two weeks.
"All basketball clubs must have constitutions to help them in day to day running of their teams and other issues such as registration of players as well as helping club leaders to know their responsibilities," he said.
He said the constitutions must stipulate steps to be taken in case of an abuse of office by the club leaders and punishment of players. Mwanza region has total of 11 basketball clubs and only two -- Bugando Planet and Babylone Byforce -- are registered.
According to MRBA acting secretary general Kizito Bahati, unregistered clubs are Bugando Heats, Bugando Warriors, Nyakato Blandon, Dolphins, Mwanza Eagles, SAUT, The Punishers, Butimba Spiders and St Francis.
"Only the registered teams will be allowed to take part in the regional basketball league with the exception of Kwimba, Sengerema and Ukerewe districts that don't have basketball teams' he said.
MRBA has directed the regional team to start preparations for the National Basketball League scheduled for November 22-28 in Dodoma as soon as possible.
Kizito said they have organized a course for coaches and referees to be held in Mwanza next month and participation fee is 50,000/- . It will draw participants from Simiyu, Geita, Mara, Shinyanga and Mwanza regions.
SEYCHELLES : Dawgz keep title charge, Stars title defence in tatters
Mont Fleuri Dawgz kept their hopes of a first ever league title alive as
they won their ninth game of the season, while Anse Etoile Stars
suffered another defeat, making their title defence all the more
difficult.
Mont Fleuri Dawgz was victorious over RC Dynamics, a side that has yet to record a win this season. A win against a much improved Dawgz side was always going to be a tough task and the boys from Mont Fleuri showed their superiority as early as the first quarter where they scored 15 points compared to 4 for their opponents. The game continued with the same momentum, with the match ending in a big 92-34 score which put the Dawgz at the top of the standings.
Ron Estico was the game’s leading scorer as he managed a contribution of 28 points including three successive three-pointers for his Dawgz side, who will next play Praslin Warriors.
Third placed MBU Rockers suffered a major blow to their own title challenge, after they lost to Anse Boileau based Drifters. The match remained tight throughout, but in the end it was Drifters who ran out victorious with a 75-68 win.
Drifters’ Arnaud Arissol led the scoring for his team with 17 points, with Keven Morel of MBU also contributing the same to his side.
PLS Hawks, whose hope of defending their league crown looks bleak, were in action against last year’s surprise package Beau Vallon Heat and they managed to grab a big win.
The game remained close, up until the final quarter where the Hawks increased their lead by 15 points, to win the contest on an 84-66 score. Captain Jean-Paul Desaubin led the scoring for his team, getting 21 points. Heat’s Jean-Paul Camille scored a game-high 23 point, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
The ladies’ division two saw defending league champions Anse Etoile Stars up against the defending knockout champions Mont Fleuri. Bernadette Songor led Mont Fleuri to a 67-43 win over the Stars who now find their bid to keep hold of the league title slip of their hands. Mont Fleuri and unbeaten Hotshots are now the two teams challenging for the title.
In the men’s division two, Grand Anse Wolves recorded an easy 67-38 win over Anse Etoile, while Cascade Bullets managed a 58-48 win over Juniors.
Mont Fleuri Dawgz was victorious over RC Dynamics, a side that has yet to record a win this season. A win against a much improved Dawgz side was always going to be a tough task and the boys from Mont Fleuri showed their superiority as early as the first quarter where they scored 15 points compared to 4 for their opponents. The game continued with the same momentum, with the match ending in a big 92-34 score which put the Dawgz at the top of the standings.
Ron Estico was the game’s leading scorer as he managed a contribution of 28 points including three successive three-pointers for his Dawgz side, who will next play Praslin Warriors.
Third placed MBU Rockers suffered a major blow to their own title challenge, after they lost to Anse Boileau based Drifters. The match remained tight throughout, but in the end it was Drifters who ran out victorious with a 75-68 win.
Drifters’ Arnaud Arissol led the scoring for his team with 17 points, with Keven Morel of MBU also contributing the same to his side.
PLS Hawks, whose hope of defending their league crown looks bleak, were in action against last year’s surprise package Beau Vallon Heat and they managed to grab a big win.
The game remained close, up until the final quarter where the Hawks increased their lead by 15 points, to win the contest on an 84-66 score. Captain Jean-Paul Desaubin led the scoring for his team, getting 21 points. Heat’s Jean-Paul Camille scored a game-high 23 point, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
The ladies’ division two saw defending league champions Anse Etoile Stars up against the defending knockout champions Mont Fleuri. Bernadette Songor led Mont Fleuri to a 67-43 win over the Stars who now find their bid to keep hold of the league title slip of their hands. Mont Fleuri and unbeaten Hotshots are now the two teams challenging for the title.
In the men’s division two, Grand Anse Wolves recorded an easy 67-38 win over Anse Etoile, while Cascade Bullets managed a 58-48 win over Juniors.
RWANDA : Ubumwe coach Bahigye eyes more glory
Ubumwe basketball club won the league and playoffs titles in the second season since their establishment. R. Mugarura
After lifting their first league and playoffs
trophies, Ubumwe women basketball club are now looking to dominating
the local scene in the coming seasons.Only two years since making their league debut, Ubumwe have now dethroned APR, who had dominated the women’s league since 2007. Ubumwe beat Rwandans Allied for Peace Progress (RAAP) in three games to win the playoffs title over the weekend.
Speaking to Times Sports after being crowned the playoffs champions on Sunday, Ubumwe head coach Jacques Bahigye, said: “We are very happy to win this trophy after only two years since the team was formed.”
“I feel very grateful to my players and management for making sure we achieve our targets faster than we anticipated. Nonetheless, we need to focus on building a strong team, which is capable of winning more trophies at home and beyond,” he said.
Ubumwe ran away with the best of five playoffs series finals after winning 64-37 in Game 1, Game 2, 64-58 and 63-39 in Game 3 at Amahoro indoor stadium court.
Ghana-born Priscilla Doudou, a US citizen, was Ubumwe’s key players scoring a combined 55 scores in three games, which also earned her call-up to Rwanda women’s national team.
16 August 2014
RWANDA : Espoir, Ubumwe win Game 1 in playoffs finals
Bienvenu
Ngandu of Espoir, right, goes up for a defensive rebound against CSK in
Game 1 yesterday at Amahoro indoor stadium. Sam Ngendahimana
Friday: Men: Game 1
Espoir 59-51 CSK
Women
Ubumwe 64-37 RAPP
Today: Game 2
Women
RAAP vs Ubumwe 3pm
Men
Espoir vs CSK 5pm
Defending champions Espoir BC edged closer to retaining their men’s basketball playoffs title after emerging victors in Game 1 against CSK 59-51 on Friday at Amahoro indoor stadium.
Game 2 is due today at the same venue while Game 3 is set for Sunday. If Jean Bahufite’s Espoir win today and tomorrow, they will be crowned champions for the third season running.
Olivier Shyaka of Espoir scored the game high 24 points and was well supported by team mates Bienvenue Ngandu and Olivier Karekezi, who added 14 and 12 points, respectively.
After the game, Bahufite said: “I am happy we won but we didn’t play so well today, we must work on a few mistakes we made and make sure we don’t repeat them tomorrow (today). We want to win the series this weekend but it’s not easy to play three games in one weekend.”
In the women’s category, league champions Ubumwe beat rivals Rwanda Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP) 64-37 in Game 1. The teams face off again in Game 2 today.
13 August 2014
UGANDA : KCCA Leopards run over UCU Lady Canons again
Photo: Daily Monitor
KCCA's Flavia Oketcho going for lay-up during last season,s playoffs against UCU Lady Canons
KCCA Leopards have now beaten the Lady Canons twice including last night’s game in which they limited the defending champions to 6 first quarter points en-route to a 58-45 at YMCA.
Former Lady Canon and also last season’s playoffs MVP, Peace Proscovia led the way for Leopards (10-1) with game high 16 points points, 18 rebounds and 5 assists. The center also swatted 3 shots. Point guard, Flavia Oketcho added 15 points and swiped 5 steals. Claire Lamunu and Rebecca Akulo contributed 8 points apiece to the cause.
Judith Nansobya paced the Lady Canons (8-2) with 11 points and 4 assists, Vilma Achieng chipped in with 10 points and grabbed game high 19 rebounds. Moreen Amoding had 9 points as she struggled to get her shot off. The shooting guard went 1-for-12 from distance and 2-for-10 from inside the arc.
Apart from KIU’s set back, KCCA have not dropped any game this season and looking likely to emerge champions come December.
Meanwhile, Giant Stormers downed Uganda Martyrs University Flames 76-60 in a division II game that preceded the KCCA – UCU match-up. Forward, Sam Okudo scored 25 points to lead Stormers. Denis Omodo and Ibrahim Makwada contributed 11 and 10 points respectively. Sam Gekara game high 26 points on an 11-for-12 field shooting in a losing effort for Flames. Mark Mayanja added 13 points and Sam Wacha had 10.
The National Basketball League resumes today with two fixtures on the cards. Ndejje Angels will be looking forward to a better second round when they face Diamonds in the Sun.
Ndejje struggled through the first half of the season picking up just 4 wins in 11 without winger Brian Odour. These two teams posted the ugliest score of the men’s division so far when they met in the first round encounter
in May. Ndejje won that game 45-28 and will be hoping to complete the double on the new comers.
In the women’s division on-song KIU Rangers face MUK Sparks.
Tuesday Results
KCCA Leopards 58-45 UCU Lady Canons
UMU Flames 60-76 Giant Stormers (Div I)
12 August 2014
RWANDA : Ubumwe BC start playoffs bid with win
Ubumwe 59-34 RAPP
Women basketball league champions Ubumwe kicked off their quest for a double, snatching a 59-34 win over RAPP on Sunday at Amahoro indoor stadium.
On Friday, RPPA had stunned playoffs defending champions APR 42-41.
Ubumwe will be up against APR on Wednesday in the last match of the three-team round-robin semi-finals. The top two teams will clash in the best of five finals.
RAPP head coach Eric Dusabimana expressed his frustrations after the defeat, which leaves his team in a delicate position.
“It’s sad for us losing to Ubumwe because it leaves our chances to play in the final hanging in balance. We can only hope that Ubumwe beat APR on Wednesday,” Dusabimana said Sunday.
Women basketball league champions Ubumwe kicked off their quest for a double, snatching a 59-34 win over RAPP on Sunday at Amahoro indoor stadium.
On Friday, RPPA had stunned playoffs defending champions APR 42-41.
Ubumwe will be up against APR on Wednesday in the last match of the three-team round-robin semi-finals. The top two teams will clash in the best of five finals.
RAPP head coach Eric Dusabimana expressed his frustrations after the defeat, which leaves his team in a delicate position.
“It’s sad for us losing to Ubumwe because it leaves our chances to play in the final hanging in balance. We can only hope that Ubumwe beat APR on Wednesday,” Dusabimana said Sunday.
11 August 2014
NIGERIA : Nestle Milo Schools Basketball Tourney Gets Synthetic Turf
The installation of the facilities for the Nestle Milo Secondary
Schools Basketball Championship has started at the indoor sport hall of
the National Stadium in Lagos.
The facility, which is said to be of international standard, has a synthetic surface and two uprights made of Hydra Fibre Glass.
According to the engineer handling the project, Mr. Chris Nomigo, the facility for the 16th Nestle Milo Basketball Championship is the best in the country.
He added: "It is the latest in the game and makes players less prone to injuries. The synthetic surface also has a good grip."
The qualifiers for these finals had emerged from keenly contested qualifiers held in four different zones across the country over a period of three months.
Some of the qualified schools are Dutse Model International School and Government Girls Secondary School, Gwawaran, both from Jigawa State, St Augustine Seminary, Ezzamgbo of Ebonyi State; Osadennis High School, Asaba and West End Mixed Secondary School, Bayelsa State.
Others are St. Jude's Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Jesus College, Oturkpo, Government Girls Secondary School Gboko and CAC Grammar School, Akure.
Henson Demonstration Group of Schools Benin, Ilupeju Grammar School, Lagos and Yejide Girls Secondary School, Ibadan, complete the list of finalists.
The facility, which is said to be of international standard, has a synthetic surface and two uprights made of Hydra Fibre Glass.
According to the engineer handling the project, Mr. Chris Nomigo, the facility for the 16th Nestle Milo Basketball Championship is the best in the country.
He added: "It is the latest in the game and makes players less prone to injuries. The synthetic surface also has a good grip."
The qualifiers for these finals had emerged from keenly contested qualifiers held in four different zones across the country over a period of three months.
Some of the qualified schools are Dutse Model International School and Government Girls Secondary School, Gwawaran, both from Jigawa State, St Augustine Seminary, Ezzamgbo of Ebonyi State; Osadennis High School, Asaba and West End Mixed Secondary School, Bayelsa State.
Others are St. Jude's Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Jesus College, Oturkpo, Government Girls Secondary School Gboko and CAC Grammar School, Akure.
Henson Demonstration Group of Schools Benin, Ilupeju Grammar School, Lagos and Yejide Girls Secondary School, Ibadan, complete the list of finalists.
UGANDA : Oilers tip off ANBL second round with KIU Titans test
Ever since clinching the league title last season,
the Fiba Africa Zone V Club Championships due in Mombasa, Kenya later
this month have been the major thing on City Oilers’ minds.
But before the regional meet, Oliers must first
sort out the small matter of two league games beginning with Kampala
International University (KIU) Titans this evening at YMCA.
Going by their first round meeting that ended
65-57 in favour of the Oliers, KIU are expected to offer a good test for
the champions that are likely to be without Kami Kabange.
The Rwandan centre who contributed 21 points in
that victory has been struggling with a back injury and is a big doubt
for today’s encounter. His absence is likely offer a flicker of hope for
KIU Titans, who will have a better inside-the-D presence of Akol Bol
and Sam Gombya
09 August 2014
RWANDA : Ubumwe BBC eye first women playoffs title
Today (Men)
CSK vs APR 11am
Tomorrow
Ubumwe vs RAPP 2pm
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Ubumwe basketball club is targeting this year’s women’s playoffs title. Ubumwe BBC, who claimed the regular women’s league crown after dethroning seven-time winners APR, are now aiming for a double (league and play-offs) and are ready to achieve the milestone, at least according to them. Ubumwe are starting their quest for the title tomorrow afternoon at Amahoro indoor stadium against Rwanda Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP).
And on Wednesday, they will be up against title holders APR. “We are working hard to win a double this season, after winning the league few weeks ago we’re focused on the playoffs and, trust me, my players are hungry for titles than ever before” Ubumwe head coach Jacques Bahige roared. “APR are our closest rivals but we are ready for them. We focus on one game at a time and right now we’re targeting a victory over RAPP on Sunday then after the APR hurdle,” he told Saturday Sport yesterday. Bahige doubles as national women team coach.
Last evening, RAPP were expected to face APR in the women’s competition while Espoir were due to take on UGB, with CSK coming up against APR in men’s category.
Contact email: editorial[at]newtimes.co.rw
CSK vs APR 11am
Tomorrow
Ubumwe vs RAPP 2pm
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Ubumwe basketball club is targeting this year’s women’s playoffs title. Ubumwe BBC, who claimed the regular women’s league crown after dethroning seven-time winners APR, are now aiming for a double (league and play-offs) and are ready to achieve the milestone, at least according to them. Ubumwe are starting their quest for the title tomorrow afternoon at Amahoro indoor stadium against Rwanda Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP).
And on Wednesday, they will be up against title holders APR. “We are working hard to win a double this season, after winning the league few weeks ago we’re focused on the playoffs and, trust me, my players are hungry for titles than ever before” Ubumwe head coach Jacques Bahige roared. “APR are our closest rivals but we are ready for them. We focus on one game at a time and right now we’re targeting a victory over RAPP on Sunday then after the APR hurdle,” he told Saturday Sport yesterday. Bahige doubles as national women team coach.
Last evening, RAPP were expected to face APR in the women’s competition while Espoir were due to take on UGB, with CSK coming up against APR in men’s category.
Contact email: editorial[at]newtimes.co.rw
08 August 2014
Africa: 15 Teams for Fiba Africa Zone 5 Club Champs Later This Month in Mombasa
By Dann O?werre
KENYA will be heavily represented in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championships planned for later this month in Mombasa.
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) secretary Vitalis Gode, said a total of 15 clubs (eight men and seven women's) have already confirmed participation in the week-long event set for August 25-30 in the coastal town.
Leading the onslaught in the regional championships are men and women's league champions Co-op Bank of Kenya and Kenya Ports Authority respectively. The other two are league runners up KPA and United States International University (USIU). Eagles Wings, who are the reigning champions and Africa club bronze medalist are likely to be granted a wild card.
The other clubs that have confirmed participation are the men's champions Urunani, Newstars and Berco Stars (Burundi); Ethiopia Water (Ethiopia); Espoir (Rwanda); City Oilers, Tiger Head Power, KCCA and UCU Canons (Uganda) and Don Bosco (Tanzania).
He said more entries are expected from South Sudan and Zanzibar. The winners will book a ticket to the Africa Club Championships set for later in the year.
Meanwhile, Kenya's Agina Wesonga is among the officials appointed to officiate in the five-day tournament. He will serve as commissioner along side-- Ussene Camilo ( Mozambique) and Manuel Sofrimento (Angola). The referees are--Munatamba Muwezhi (Zambia), Siwula Suwilanji (Zambia), Banza Kalume Tonton (RD Congo), Muchenu Joyce (Zimbabwe) and Wiese Natacha (South Africa).
Coast Basketball Association (CBA) chairman Hilmi Ali said they are all set for the tournament--the first ever international event to be held in Mombasa. He said he has so far gotten over 20 sponsors.
KENYA will be heavily represented in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championships planned for later this month in Mombasa.
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) secretary Vitalis Gode, said a total of 15 clubs (eight men and seven women's) have already confirmed participation in the week-long event set for August 25-30 in the coastal town.
Leading the onslaught in the regional championships are men and women's league champions Co-op Bank of Kenya and Kenya Ports Authority respectively. The other two are league runners up KPA and United States International University (USIU). Eagles Wings, who are the reigning champions and Africa club bronze medalist are likely to be granted a wild card.
The other clubs that have confirmed participation are the men's champions Urunani, Newstars and Berco Stars (Burundi); Ethiopia Water (Ethiopia); Espoir (Rwanda); City Oilers, Tiger Head Power, KCCA and UCU Canons (Uganda) and Don Bosco (Tanzania).
He said more entries are expected from South Sudan and Zanzibar. The winners will book a ticket to the Africa Club Championships set for later in the year.
Meanwhile, Kenya's Agina Wesonga is among the officials appointed to officiate in the five-day tournament. He will serve as commissioner along side-- Ussene Camilo ( Mozambique) and Manuel Sofrimento (Angola). The referees are--Munatamba Muwezhi (Zambia), Siwula Suwilanji (Zambia), Banza Kalume Tonton (RD Congo), Muchenu Joyce (Zimbabwe) and Wiese Natacha (South Africa).
Coast Basketball Association (CBA) chairman Hilmi Ali said they are all set for the tournament--the first ever international event to be held in Mombasa. He said he has so far gotten over 20 sponsors.
KENYA : Emyba Trounce 4-Christ in NBA League Duel At Railway
By Dann O'werre
EMYBA dismissed 4-Christ 64-32 in the Nairobi
Basketball Association (NBA) league show at Railways Club. Three points
scoring leaders Collins Ochilo tallied 28 points that included four
treys for the winners.
The sad losers had 10 from Daniel Imbali. Deril Omondi scored 27 points to lead Strathmore University to a 55-40 win over United States International University (USIU). The 'Cubs' had 15 from Brian Odipo. Old Pirates defeated Upper Hill School 54-42, behind 11 points from Eugene Mutekhele as the students had contribution from Liban Hussein.
Ulinzi shot down Neosasa Morans 45-41 as Victor Samba scored 16 points for the soldiers. Joseph Achega led Morans with 20. Pandas defeated Lycans 43-38 as Paul Luvanda score 22 points and Elkana Maina shot the losers 14. Multi Media University (MMU) dimmed Embakasi Dymaoz 41-38 as Marcel Ooko and Clifford John each picked 10 points. Bernard Ombasa hit the losers' 12. Legacy has 15 points from Maxwell Murunga as they defeated Pac University 56-45. They had 12 apiece from Luucas Orimba and Onesmus Wairumba.
Feba had 20 points from Nimrod Kaane as they went past Machakos Hawks 56-52. In the ladies only match, Strathmore University defeated Mount Kenya University (MKU) Thika 49-34. Nicole Orwa managed 11 for Strath and Ann Lukongo shot 11.
The sad losers had 10 from Daniel Imbali. Deril Omondi scored 27 points to lead Strathmore University to a 55-40 win over United States International University (USIU). The 'Cubs' had 15 from Brian Odipo. Old Pirates defeated Upper Hill School 54-42, behind 11 points from Eugene Mutekhele as the students had contribution from Liban Hussein.
Ulinzi shot down Neosasa Morans 45-41 as Victor Samba scored 16 points for the soldiers. Joseph Achega led Morans with 20. Pandas defeated Lycans 43-38 as Paul Luvanda score 22 points and Elkana Maina shot the losers 14. Multi Media University (MMU) dimmed Embakasi Dymaoz 41-38 as Marcel Ooko and Clifford John each picked 10 points. Bernard Ombasa hit the losers' 12. Legacy has 15 points from Maxwell Murunga as they defeated Pac University 56-45. They had 12 apiece from Luucas Orimba and Onesmus Wairumba.
Feba had 20 points from Nimrod Kaane as they went past Machakos Hawks 56-52. In the ladies only match, Strathmore University defeated Mount Kenya University (MKU) Thika 49-34. Nicole Orwa managed 11 for Strath and Ann Lukongo shot 11.
RWANDA : Hoops playoffs semifinals kick off
Espoir
will start the playoff as hot favourites having lost just once against
KBC (above) during Game 3 of last season playoffs final. File.
BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS, a competition involving
the top four teams of the regular league, kicks off today at Amahoro
indoor stadium.The opening game sees seven-time champions in the women’s category APR battling Rwanda Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP) at 4p.m. The other team contesting the ladies title is regular league champions Ubumwe, who will be in action on Sunday against RAPP.
The battle for the men’s crown also gets underway today at the semi-final stage when reigning champions Espoir take on United Generation Basketball club (UGB) at 6pm in Game One of the best of three.
APR come up against Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) at 8pm. Winners of the semi-finals will face each other in the best of five playoff finals starting next weekend.
Espoir, who have only lost once in three seasons, are hot favourites but semi-final opponents UGB, who are featuring in the playoffs for the first time since 2007, are aiming to pull off a shock win, according to their head coach Yves Murenzi.
“We are well prepared for the playoffs battle, we have been in training for the last three weeks and I’m confident we can eliminate Espoir although it’s going to be very tough.” Murenzi told Times Sport on Thursday.
07 August 2014
KENYA : Terror push Co-op Bank to the wire
Titus Musimbi on Co-Operative Bank in a previous match. The bankers beat the University of Nairobi Terrorists in extra time after the teams tied 52-52 in regulation time.
Co-Operative Bank, the Kenya
Basketball Federation men's Premier League champions were stretched
before managing a narrow 67-56 win over the University of Nairobi’s
Terrorists in overtime on Saturday.
Coming only few days after they lost their unbeaten run to Ulinzi Warriors, Co-op Bank stared at a possible second successive defeat but turned the screws in added time.
A complacent second half performance by the bankers gave Terror enough room to tie the game at 52-all in regulation time after trailing 20-25 at the breather. Co-op Bank prevailed in overtime winning 15-4.
Allan Ouma and Collins Gumba fscored 12 points each for Co-Operative Bank and Terror respectively.
The champions bounced back strongly to beat Nairobi Aviation College 72-39 on Sunday with 12 points from Nicholas Anyang’ and 11 from David Ogolla. Marvin Omondi top scored for Aviation with 12 points.
Terror were unable to replicate their sterling performance against Co-Operative Bank on Saturday and lost 53-78 to Kenya Ports Authorityn (KPA) on Sunday. Tony Okello top scored for the dockers with 13 points while Kooshen Diriye scored 12 for Terror.
Lions was another big winner at the weekend with two wins. On Saturday they beat Thunger 70 56 with Eric Wawire (Lions) scoring 16 points and Griffin Ligare 31 for Thunder.
On Sunday, Lions beat hosts Nakuru Club 63-51 to extend their record to eight straight wins.
Suffered second loss
Ulinzi Warriors suffered their second loss of the season going down 58-67 to United States International University Africa (USIU-A). The students led 33-25 at halftime winning the first quarter 17-4 and Ulinzi the second 21-16.
Despite winning the third quarter 16-15, Ulinzi still trailed by six points as USIU-A confirmed their victory with a 20-14 win in the fourth quarter. Kevin Kigotho and Samuel Odera scored 14 points each for USIU-A with Erick Mutoro replying with 16 for Ulinzi.
Blades rallied from 17-24 down at halftime to beat Kenya Airports Authority, KAA, 47-45 in a closely contested tie. KAA won the first two quarters 9-6 and 15-11 to enjoy an early advantage.
At the close of third quarter, Blades still trailed by two points after winning 12-7 and came out strongly in the fourth quarter to win 18-14. Mike Oketch scored 10 points for Blades while Shem Otieno had 15 for KAA.
Blazers’ relegation worries deepened further with two losses to KPA and Equity Bank. On Saturday, they were beaten 76-19 by the Coastal side and lost 48-60 to the bankers on Sunday.
USIU-A continued its dominance in women's premier with a 69-32 win over Kenyatta University Oryx. Magnifique Magnifique top scored for USIU-A with 17 points while Rafina Akinyi replied with 14 for Oryx.
In Kakamega, Ulinzi Blades beat hosts Western Delights 68-42 after leading 33-29 at halftime.
KBF Weekend Results
Saturday: Western Delights 42 Ulinzi Blades 68, MKU Kakamega 63 Barclays Bank 57, Lakeside 80 MKU Eldonetts 69, Blazers 19 KPA 76, Co-op Bank 67 Terror 56, Upper Hill 75 Parklands Baptist 52, Lions 70 Thunder 56.
Sunday: Nakuru Club 51 Lions 63, MKU Kakamega 49 Umoja 35, KU Oryx 32 USIU-A 69, Nairobi Aviation College 39 Co-op Bank 72, Equity Bank 60 Blazers 48, Blades 47 KAA 45, Terror 53 KPA 78, Ulinzi Warriors 58 USIU-A 67.
Coming only few days after they lost their unbeaten run to Ulinzi Warriors, Co-op Bank stared at a possible second successive defeat but turned the screws in added time.
A complacent second half performance by the bankers gave Terror enough room to tie the game at 52-all in regulation time after trailing 20-25 at the breather. Co-op Bank prevailed in overtime winning 15-4.
Allan Ouma and Collins Gumba fscored 12 points each for Co-Operative Bank and Terror respectively.
The champions bounced back strongly to beat Nairobi Aviation College 72-39 on Sunday with 12 points from Nicholas Anyang’ and 11 from David Ogolla. Marvin Omondi top scored for Aviation with 12 points.
Terror were unable to replicate their sterling performance against Co-Operative Bank on Saturday and lost 53-78 to Kenya Ports Authorityn (KPA) on Sunday. Tony Okello top scored for the dockers with 13 points while Kooshen Diriye scored 12 for Terror.
Lions was another big winner at the weekend with two wins. On Saturday they beat Thunger 70 56 with Eric Wawire (Lions) scoring 16 points and Griffin Ligare 31 for Thunder.
On Sunday, Lions beat hosts Nakuru Club 63-51 to extend their record to eight straight wins.
Suffered second loss
Ulinzi Warriors suffered their second loss of the season going down 58-67 to United States International University Africa (USIU-A). The students led 33-25 at halftime winning the first quarter 17-4 and Ulinzi the second 21-16.
Despite winning the third quarter 16-15, Ulinzi still trailed by six points as USIU-A confirmed their victory with a 20-14 win in the fourth quarter. Kevin Kigotho and Samuel Odera scored 14 points each for USIU-A with Erick Mutoro replying with 16 for Ulinzi.
Blades rallied from 17-24 down at halftime to beat Kenya Airports Authority, KAA, 47-45 in a closely contested tie. KAA won the first two quarters 9-6 and 15-11 to enjoy an early advantage.
At the close of third quarter, Blades still trailed by two points after winning 12-7 and came out strongly in the fourth quarter to win 18-14. Mike Oketch scored 10 points for Blades while Shem Otieno had 15 for KAA.
Blazers’ relegation worries deepened further with two losses to KPA and Equity Bank. On Saturday, they were beaten 76-19 by the Coastal side and lost 48-60 to the bankers on Sunday.
USIU-A continued its dominance in women's premier with a 69-32 win over Kenyatta University Oryx. Magnifique Magnifique top scored for USIU-A with 17 points while Rafina Akinyi replied with 14 for Oryx.
In Kakamega, Ulinzi Blades beat hosts Western Delights 68-42 after leading 33-29 at halftime.
KBF Weekend Results
Saturday: Western Delights 42 Ulinzi Blades 68, MKU Kakamega 63 Barclays Bank 57, Lakeside 80 MKU Eldonetts 69, Blazers 19 KPA 76, Co-op Bank 67 Terror 56, Upper Hill 75 Parklands Baptist 52, Lions 70 Thunder 56.
Sunday: Nakuru Club 51 Lions 63, MKU Kakamega 49 Umoja 35, KU Oryx 32 USIU-A 69, Nairobi Aviation College 39 Co-op Bank 72, Equity Bank 60 Blazers 48, Blades 47 KAA 45, Terror 53 KPA 78, Ulinzi Warriors 58 USIU-A 67.
RWANDA : UR-CASS women BC pull out of play-offs
UNIVERSITY of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences women
basketball club has pulled out of the forthcoming play-offs due to
financial problems.
The Huye district-based side withdrew four days before the tournament kickoff. The development was confirmed by the Rwanda Basketball Federation technical director Didier Shema-Maboko on Wednesday.
The withdrawal of the varsity side leaves three teams in the fray; namely; regular league champions Ubumwe BC, playoffs title-holders APR and Rwanda Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP), who will play each other on a round-robin basis, with the top team eventually being crowned champions.
When contacted, UR-CASS team coach Charles Mushumba, said, “It’s true we won’t be taking part in the playoffs due to two reasons; first, our players are in holidays and, second, management told us that there is no budget for the tournament.”
In men’s category, the playoffs title will be contested by two-time winners Espoir, Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK), APR and United Generation Basketball club (UGB).
The playoffs tournament starts on Friday and will climax next weekend. All games will be played at Amahoro indoor stadium.
Contact email: editorial[at]newtimes.co.rw
The Huye district-based side withdrew four days before the tournament kickoff. The development was confirmed by the Rwanda Basketball Federation technical director Didier Shema-Maboko on Wednesday.
The withdrawal of the varsity side leaves three teams in the fray; namely; regular league champions Ubumwe BC, playoffs title-holders APR and Rwanda Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP), who will play each other on a round-robin basis, with the top team eventually being crowned champions.
When contacted, UR-CASS team coach Charles Mushumba, said, “It’s true we won’t be taking part in the playoffs due to two reasons; first, our players are in holidays and, second, management told us that there is no budget for the tournament.”
In men’s category, the playoffs title will be contested by two-time winners Espoir, Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK), APR and United Generation Basketball club (UGB).
The playoffs tournament starts on Friday and will climax next weekend. All games will be played at Amahoro indoor stadium.
Contact email: editorial[at]newtimes.co.rw
03 August 2014
KENYA : Accountability and size, key components in team selection
Three players based in Uganda have
been named in the provisional squad of national men’s basketball team
that will begin preparations for the Zone V Afrobasket qualifiers to be
held in Uganda this September.
Philip Amenyi, Frank Ogolla and Desmond Owilly are part of the 20-man squad that will be beefed up later with players from the diaspora. It comprises of both young and experienced basketballers drawn from premier league clubs.
Ancette Wafula and William Ochieng from Ulinzi Warriors, Allan Ouma and Salim Ali from Co-operative Bank as well as Thunder’s Griffin Ligare are the only surviving members from the team that was in Tanzania for a similar tourney last year.
Yoni Wanambiro from United States International University- Africa, USIU-A, Victor Odendo from Ulinzi and Kenya Ports Authority, KPA, star player Ariel Okal are the other experienced hands making up the squad.
Head coach Anthony Ojukwu is expected to meet Kenya Basketball Federation, KBF, officials on Friday to draw up the team’s training programme. The preparations will come in between the league with the Zone V club championships expected to take place in Mombasa this August.
Tentatively, Ojukwu has proposed to have the team begin training on August 3 subject to approval by KBF.
All clubs coaches involved
Coaches from all premier league clubs were involved in selecting the provisional squad. “I invited them to submit list of players from their respective clubs to make it inclusive. Together with my technical bench, we came up with the final list from that which was easy.”
Ojukwu, who will be assisted by Tony Ochieng from Strathmore University, said player accountability and size were the key attributes they used in their selection. “That is very critical in the game of basketball.
We placed high emphasis on accountability because its the individual player who takes shots on the court thus cannot blame anybody for his action. I hope that the selected few will be accountable,” he said.
Elsewhere, Kenya has lost the Zone V presidency to Egypt following polls conducted in Madagascar on Wednesday night. Maurice Aluanga, the incumbent, and Agina Wesonga were the Kenyans in the race but Hishem al Hariri won by four votes.
National Team Provisional Squad
Point Guards: Griffin Ligare (Thunder), Joseph Ouma (KPA), Salim Ali (Co-op Bank), Fred Lugasi (Equity Bank), Titus Musembi (Co-op Bank); Shooting Guards- Valentine Nyankinda (Strathmore University), Ancette Wafula, Victor Odendo (Ulinzi Warriors), Tobias Onyango (KPA), Yoni Wanabiro (USIU-A), Martin Kitonga (KPA), Allan Ouma (Co-op Bank).
Post Players: William Ochieng (Ulinzi Warriors), James Mwangi (Co-op Bank), Ariel Okall (KPA), Desmond Owilly (Uganda), Kevin Kigotho (USIU-A), Frank Ogolla (Uganda), Joseph Ondinyo (Co-op Bank), Philip Amenyi (Uganda).
Philip Amenyi, Frank Ogolla and Desmond Owilly are part of the 20-man squad that will be beefed up later with players from the diaspora. It comprises of both young and experienced basketballers drawn from premier league clubs.
Ancette Wafula and William Ochieng from Ulinzi Warriors, Allan Ouma and Salim Ali from Co-operative Bank as well as Thunder’s Griffin Ligare are the only surviving members from the team that was in Tanzania for a similar tourney last year.
Yoni Wanambiro from United States International University- Africa, USIU-A, Victor Odendo from Ulinzi and Kenya Ports Authority, KPA, star player Ariel Okal are the other experienced hands making up the squad.
Head coach Anthony Ojukwu is expected to meet Kenya Basketball Federation, KBF, officials on Friday to draw up the team’s training programme. The preparations will come in between the league with the Zone V club championships expected to take place in Mombasa this August.
Tentatively, Ojukwu has proposed to have the team begin training on August 3 subject to approval by KBF.
All clubs coaches involved
Coaches from all premier league clubs were involved in selecting the provisional squad. “I invited them to submit list of players from their respective clubs to make it inclusive. Together with my technical bench, we came up with the final list from that which was easy.”
Ojukwu, who will be assisted by Tony Ochieng from Strathmore University, said player accountability and size were the key attributes they used in their selection. “That is very critical in the game of basketball.
We placed high emphasis on accountability because its the individual player who takes shots on the court thus cannot blame anybody for his action. I hope that the selected few will be accountable,” he said.
Elsewhere, Kenya has lost the Zone V presidency to Egypt following polls conducted in Madagascar on Wednesday night. Maurice Aluanga, the incumbent, and Agina Wesonga were the Kenyans in the race but Hishem al Hariri won by four votes.
National Team Provisional Squad
Point Guards: Griffin Ligare (Thunder), Joseph Ouma (KPA), Salim Ali (Co-op Bank), Fred Lugasi (Equity Bank), Titus Musembi (Co-op Bank); Shooting Guards- Valentine Nyankinda (Strathmore University), Ancette Wafula, Victor Odendo (Ulinzi Warriors), Tobias Onyango (KPA), Yoni Wanabiro (USIU-A), Martin Kitonga (KPA), Allan Ouma (Co-op Bank).
Post Players: William Ochieng (Ulinzi Warriors), James Mwangi (Co-op Bank), Ariel Okall (KPA), Desmond Owilly (Uganda), Kevin Kigotho (USIU-A), Frank Ogolla (Uganda), Joseph Ondinyo (Co-op Bank), Philip Amenyi (Uganda).
RWANDA : Hoops play-offs set for August 8-17
This year’s basketball league play-offs are scheduled to run from
August 8 to 17, according to the national basketball association
technical director Didier Shema Maboko.
The play-offs are contested by the top four teams in the regular season in both men and women championships.
The men’s play-offs will have reigning champions Espoir, Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK), APR, who will be joined by either United Generation Basketball club (UGB) and Rusizi.
Rusiz face Espoir in league final match on Sunday in a game the former needs to win to qualify for the playoffs, defeat will see UGB progress.
The game was initially supposed to be played place last Sunday but Rusizi requested for it to be moved due to financial reasons.
In women’s competition will have champions Ubumwe BBC, 2013 winners APR, Rwanda Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP) and University of Rwanda- Huye campus.
Contact email: editorial[at]newtimes.co.rw
The play-offs are contested by the top four teams in the regular season in both men and women championships.
The men’s play-offs will have reigning champions Espoir, Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK), APR, who will be joined by either United Generation Basketball club (UGB) and Rusizi.
Rusiz face Espoir in league final match on Sunday in a game the former needs to win to qualify for the playoffs, defeat will see UGB progress.
The game was initially supposed to be played place last Sunday but Rusizi requested for it to be moved due to financial reasons.
In women’s competition will have champions Ubumwe BBC, 2013 winners APR, Rwanda Allied Peace for Progress (RAPP) and University of Rwanda- Huye campus.
Contact email: editorial[at]newtimes.co.rw
UGANDA : Oilers in Control After First Round
By Felix Eupal
The national basketball league first round came to an end last week and what a drama series it was, with the thrills, stuns and shocks! Ahead of the second round kick-off on August 8, Felix Eupal looks at the main talking points. Lugogo arena saga
The league kick-off was delayed due to the unavailability of Lugogo arena, the traditional home of basketball. The venue authorities hiked the fees for league games from Shs Shs 500,000 to Shs 800,000.
The standoff was brought about because telecommunications giant MTN holds the venue's branding rights whereas the league is sponsored by rivals Airtel. To this day, Fuba has not hosted any league game at the venue save for the national teams because the national team steering committee could afford the fee. The wait for sanity to be restored lingers on.
The Airtel Question:
Fuba launched the league without any partner on board; Airtel and NBS TV had still not committed their support this season. Fuba publicist Ali Balunywa noted that there would be a press launch in the near future for the partners. However, that is yet to materialise. Balunywa insists there are partners coming on board soon, despite the absence of any formal indicator.
Power's supremacy statement:
Five-time champions Power are desperate for a sixth championship and they made quite a statement when they unveiled battery makers Tiger Head as their new sponsors as well a quintet of players; Abdullahi Ramathan, Phillip Amenyi, Ivan Enabu, Francis Odom and Moses Olobo.
They even added a bit of comic relief by hiring the services of security officer Dixon Okello to handle the team's disciplinary woes. However, they have been hit by a number of shortcomings, top among which are player egotism and inconsistency.
For a team tipped to go all the way, Power lost to City Oilers, Vegetarians, Charging Rhino and Warriors.
Oilers on course for another championship:
City Oilers have lived up to the billing of a defending champion. Their style of play, particularly when closing out games, has won respect from the opposition. They have only lost once; the opening fixture to UCU Canons. They also have the best rotation offence in the league and the bench depth makes them a paradox to crack.
Falcons and the Krishna deal:
Record champions Falcons started the season by ushering Friday Kagoro as the new club patron. Then, they unveiled a new sponsor in matchbox maker Krishna. The deal was reported to be worth Shs 200m-a-year, yet at the unveiling, no one from Krishna appeared and no questions about the deal were entertained.
That said, Falcons have looked strong with point guard Cyrus Kiviri running riot. They look poised for a third straight play-off finals appearance. Player U-turns
The pre-season was filled with cat-fights between clubs over players' signatures, but the biggest of them was that of Ivan Enabu and Sande Okot. Enabu signed for Power while Okot for Falcons but their parent clubs; Warriors and Canons respectively, hadn't consented. Both Enabu and Okot terminated their contracts and made U-turns.
Ndejje Angel's demise:
The university side started on a rosy note by winning the Zuku basketball league. However, when the league started, they became a shadow of their former self. For a team that has made the play-offs for two straight seasons, losing six games doesn't look like they want to make the post-season again. The shocks
Every season has a number of shocks and this season, it has been the underdogs pressing the alarm buttons. Vegetarians produced the first upset against Power; Charging Rhino did the same to the five-time champions. Even debutants Diamonds in the Sun and Sharing Youth gave Canons and Ndejje Angels a wake-up call.
The national basketball league first round came to an end last week and what a drama series it was, with the thrills, stuns and shocks! Ahead of the second round kick-off on August 8, Felix Eupal looks at the main talking points. Lugogo arena saga
The league kick-off was delayed due to the unavailability of Lugogo arena, the traditional home of basketball. The venue authorities hiked the fees for league games from Shs Shs 500,000 to Shs 800,000.
The standoff was brought about because telecommunications giant MTN holds the venue's branding rights whereas the league is sponsored by rivals Airtel. To this day, Fuba has not hosted any league game at the venue save for the national teams because the national team steering committee could afford the fee. The wait for sanity to be restored lingers on.
The Airtel Question:
Fuba launched the league without any partner on board; Airtel and NBS TV had still not committed their support this season. Fuba publicist Ali Balunywa noted that there would be a press launch in the near future for the partners. However, that is yet to materialise. Balunywa insists there are partners coming on board soon, despite the absence of any formal indicator.
Power's supremacy statement:
Five-time champions Power are desperate for a sixth championship and they made quite a statement when they unveiled battery makers Tiger Head as their new sponsors as well a quintet of players; Abdullahi Ramathan, Phillip Amenyi, Ivan Enabu, Francis Odom and Moses Olobo.
They even added a bit of comic relief by hiring the services of security officer Dixon Okello to handle the team's disciplinary woes. However, they have been hit by a number of shortcomings, top among which are player egotism and inconsistency.
For a team tipped to go all the way, Power lost to City Oilers, Vegetarians, Charging Rhino and Warriors.
Oilers on course for another championship:
City Oilers have lived up to the billing of a defending champion. Their style of play, particularly when closing out games, has won respect from the opposition. They have only lost once; the opening fixture to UCU Canons. They also have the best rotation offence in the league and the bench depth makes them a paradox to crack.
Falcons and the Krishna deal:
Record champions Falcons started the season by ushering Friday Kagoro as the new club patron. Then, they unveiled a new sponsor in matchbox maker Krishna. The deal was reported to be worth Shs 200m-a-year, yet at the unveiling, no one from Krishna appeared and no questions about the deal were entertained.
That said, Falcons have looked strong with point guard Cyrus Kiviri running riot. They look poised for a third straight play-off finals appearance. Player U-turns
The pre-season was filled with cat-fights between clubs over players' signatures, but the biggest of them was that of Ivan Enabu and Sande Okot. Enabu signed for Power while Okot for Falcons but their parent clubs; Warriors and Canons respectively, hadn't consented. Both Enabu and Okot terminated their contracts and made U-turns.
Ndejje Angel's demise:
The university side started on a rosy note by winning the Zuku basketball league. However, when the league started, they became a shadow of their former self. For a team that has made the play-offs for two straight seasons, losing six games doesn't look like they want to make the post-season again. The shocks
Every season has a number of shocks and this season, it has been the underdogs pressing the alarm buttons. Vegetarians produced the first upset against Power; Charging Rhino did the same to the five-time champions. Even debutants Diamonds in the Sun and Sharing Youth gave Canons and Ndejje Angels a wake-up call.
RWANDA : Women Basketball Team Eye Afro-Basket Qualification
By Richard Bishumba
RWANDA NATIONAL women basketball team is targeting qualification for the 2015 Africa Basketball Championships, (Afro-basket) to be held in Cameroun.
The women team that started training last week is aiming at finishing first runner-up in the forthcoming Fiba/Africa Zone five championships in September in Kampala, Uganda to qualify for the continental meet.
The zonal championships also serve as 2015 All Africa Games and Afro-basket qualifiers are scheduled for September 21-28.
The team's head coach, Jacques Bahige in an interview with Times Sport on Wednesday said he was confident his team will earn a ticket for the continental meet for its third time following appearances in 2009 and 2011.
"I'm confident my girls can win Zone V title to qualify for both All Africa Games and Afro-basket, we have started preps early and I'm sure it will help us prepare well for the regional competition," Bahige says.
He singled out Egypt as the biggest threat to his team's Zone V title aspirations.
Rwandan women team made their maiden participation in Afro-basket in
2009 finishing ninth, while in 2011 they dropped one place to tenth.
The team did not feature in qualifiers for 2013 edition.
Provisional squad:
Chantal Akamuntu, Jovithe Kabarere, Joselyne Munyaneza, Charlotte Umugwaneza, Vanessa Umwizerwa, Denise Uwase, Cecile Nzaramba, Yvette Uwizeye, Christine Uwibambe, Gisele Umutoni, Rosine Micomyiza, Jeanne Yamfashije, Priscilla Dodoo, Claudette Imanishimwe, Clementine Ushizimpumu, Clementine Matungano, Esperance Mukaneza, Alice Muhongerwa, Claudette Mugwaneza, Martine Umuhoza and Nicole Rwibutso.
Professionals: Henderson Tierra Monay (Angola), Ange Kamanyana (USA), Sabine Mugeni (France), Yvonne Kirezi K. (Drc), Laetitia Mahoro (USA) and Nancy Ishimwe (USA).
RWANDA NATIONAL women basketball team is targeting qualification for the 2015 Africa Basketball Championships, (Afro-basket) to be held in Cameroun.
The women team that started training last week is aiming at finishing first runner-up in the forthcoming Fiba/Africa Zone five championships in September in Kampala, Uganda to qualify for the continental meet.
The zonal championships also serve as 2015 All Africa Games and Afro-basket qualifiers are scheduled for September 21-28.
The team's head coach, Jacques Bahige in an interview with Times Sport on Wednesday said he was confident his team will earn a ticket for the continental meet for its third time following appearances in 2009 and 2011.
"I'm confident my girls can win Zone V title to qualify for both All Africa Games and Afro-basket, we have started preps early and I'm sure it will help us prepare well for the regional competition," Bahige says.
He singled out Egypt as the biggest threat to his team's Zone V title aspirations.
The team did not feature in qualifiers for 2013 edition.
Provisional squad:
Chantal Akamuntu, Jovithe Kabarere, Joselyne Munyaneza, Charlotte Umugwaneza, Vanessa Umwizerwa, Denise Uwase, Cecile Nzaramba, Yvette Uwizeye, Christine Uwibambe, Gisele Umutoni, Rosine Micomyiza, Jeanne Yamfashije, Priscilla Dodoo, Claudette Imanishimwe, Clementine Ushizimpumu, Clementine Matungano, Esperance Mukaneza, Alice Muhongerwa, Claudette Mugwaneza, Martine Umuhoza and Nicole Rwibutso.
Professionals: Henderson Tierra Monay (Angola), Ange Kamanyana (USA), Sabine Mugeni (France), Yvonne Kirezi K. (Drc), Laetitia Mahoro (USA) and Nancy Ishimwe (USA).
